Halfway Home 55-26

[southsider2k5]

So with the 4th of July, the Sox are exactly 81 games into the season, with 81 more to go. The Sox stand with the best record in baseball at 55-26, leading the 2nd place Minnesota Twins by 8 1/2 games.

 

With that in mind, I am curious to see everyones grades on individual players on this team as of today. I have mine in mind, but I want to see what other people think.

[AddisonStSox]

Now, I'm not one for prolific posts, but when grading players at the half-way point--or any point for that matter--it's very important to justify your gradings and explain why you graded the way you did. When grading players, I'm looking for a few things: 1) What has this player done to improve the ballclub 2) What has this player done to improve himself **3)Has this player excelled in his role, no matter what the role may be? So, why, you may ask, do you have a guy like Iguchi or Widger graded with A's while someone like Uribe or Marte grades in the B's and C's? Well, the answer is quite simple, Widger, for example, was signed as a backup catcher who has gone well above and beyond the call of duty to excel in his role and improve both the catching core and the starting pitching...same goes for Pierzynski. Pierzynski grades an A because he may very well be this team's first-half MVP, all things considered. Has Garland's turn-around and Pierzynski's introduction been entirely conincidental? Hmmmmmmmmm...perhaps. Another guy to point out his Tadahito Iguchi. Iguchi, brought over from Japan, has been one of the most fundamentaly sounds players on the roster, in this his ROOKIE YEAR! These are the sorts of things I consider when grading players. Podsednik is WELL deserving of an A because it can be argued the White Sox live and die with his ability to set the table at the top of the order...a similar arguement can be made for any one of the five starting pitchers save the injury-prone Hernandez. Hopefully, this sorts itself out as you view my rankings.

 

Position Players

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger A-

1B-Konerko B

1B-Gload NA

2B-Iguchi A

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe B

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B-

OF/DH-Everett B+

OF-Perez D+

UTL-Ozuna B-

DH-Thomas A

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B

SP-Contreras D

SP-Hernandez C-

SP-Garland A+

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C+

LP-Cotts B+

[ChWRoCk2]

Position Players

 

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger B+

1B-Konerko B

2B-Iguchi A-

2B-Harris C+

SS-Uribe B

3B-Crede C+

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B+

OF/DH-Everett B

OF-Perez D

UTL-Ozuna B-

DH-Thomas A-

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B

SP-Contreras C

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Taktsu C+

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts A-

[WilliamTell]

C-Pierzynski B+

C-Widger A-

1B-Konerko B

2B-Iguchi A-

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe C+

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B-

OF-Perez D

UTL-Ozuna B

DH-Everett B

DH-Thomas B

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B

SP-Contreras C-

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A+

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C

RP-Taktsu C-

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts B+

[thedoctor]

C-Pierzynski: A- (intangibles are huge)

C-Widger: B (what a great find)

1B-Konerko B- (still needs that consistency)

2B-Iguchi A (another great find)

2B-Harris B (i'm happy we kept him. valuable, especially considering this is iguchi's first run through the league)

SS-Uribe C+ (defense has been great. offense a disappointment)

3B-Crede C+ (see uribe)

OF-Rowand C (has had his spots, but i did expect a little more from him this year)

OF-Podsednik A (as advertised)

OF-Dye B (but coming on strong, could be a key to second half)

OF-Perez C (c'mon timo, c'mon timo, c'mon timo)

UTL-Ozuna A- (i love this guy and would like to see more of him)

DH-Everett B+ (still doesn't believe in dinosaurs)

DH-Thomas INC. (happy with the power, but hard to grade based on such a short window)

SP-Buehrle A (mr. consistency)

SP-Garcia B+ (outside of a few bad starts has been awesome)

SP-Contreras C (too up and down. anyone else think he pitches better when duque is pitching?)

SP-Hernandez C- (a disappointment so far, although his greatest value could be in the postseason)

SP-Garland A+ (not too much to say here. just a stud)

RP-Politte A+ (should be on the all-star team)

RP-Vizcaino C- (still think he is going to be very valuable)

RP-Takatsu D (meh.)

RP-Hermanson A (provided the needed stability in the pen with marte and takatsu struggling)

LP-Marte D (biggest disappointment)

LP-Cotts A- (great to see him coming into his own)

[Steve9347]

Position Players

 

C-Pierzynski B+

C-Widger B

1B-Konerko B- (he's missed too many chances in close games with RISP)

1B-Gload NA

2B-Iguchi A

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe C

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A+

OF-Dye B

OF/DH-Everett B

OF-Perez D+

UTL-Ozuna B+

DH-Thomas B

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B

SP-Contreras C-

SP-Hernandez D

SP-Garland A+

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts B+

[AngelasDaddy0427]

C-AJ- A

C-Widger - A (he's exceeded all expectatiions)

1B-Konerko - C- (Needs to hit more consistantly

2B-Iguchi A

2B-Harris C

SS-Uribe D (Huge disappointment)

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B+ (been one of the most consistant players on the team)

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye A-

OF-Perez F (Failure, total failure in every way)

UTL-Ozuna B

DH-Everett B

DH-Thomas A (He has powered his way back on the scene, Avg will come around soon)

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras B- (A few bad starts has made people forget about all he did for us in the start, I think he'll come around, already exceeded expectations so far)

SP-Hernandez C (Injuries hampered him)

SP-Garland A+

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C

RP-Taktsu C-

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts A

[SleepyWhiteSox]

C-Pierzynski: A-

C-Widger: B+

1B-Konerko B-

2B-Iguchi A-

2B-Harris B

SS-Uribe C+

3B-Crede C-

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B

OF-Perez C

UTL-Ozuna A-

DH-Everett B+

DH-Thomas A-

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras C

SP-Hernandez C-

SP-Garland A+

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Takatsu D

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts B

[Queen Prawn]

Position Players

 

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger B

1B-Konerko B

2B-Iguchi A

2B-Harris C

SS-Uribe A-/B+

3B-Crede B-/C+

OF-Rowand A

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B+

OF/DH-Everett B-/C+

OF-Perez D

UTL-Ozuna B

DH-Thomas Incomplete (not enough time played to give a grade to it)

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia A

SP-Contreras B-/C+

SP-Hernandez B

SP-Garland A

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Taktsu B-/C+

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts A

[Finkelstein]

C-Pierzynski: B+

C-Widger: B

1B-Konerko B-

2B-Iguchi A

2B-Harris C

SS-Uribe C

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B-

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B

OF-Perez C-

UTL-Ozuna B+

DH-Everett B+

DH-Thomas A-

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia A-

SP-Contreras C

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A

RP-Politte A

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Takatsu C-

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte C-

LP-Cotts B+

[DePloderer]

C-AJ- B+

C-Widger - B+

1B-Konerko - B- I just think he could do more

2B-Iguchi A+

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe C+ He may suprise us yet

3B-Crede B underated by most

OF-Rowand B+

OF-Podsednik A+ What can you say

OF-Dye A-

OF-Perez ? Who?

UTL-Ozuna B

DH-Everett A-

DH-Thomas A

SP-Buehrle A+

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras B

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A+

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte B-

LP-Cotts A

[WSoxMatt]

Crede is an asset to this team, his defense is gold glove worthy this year and he seems to get his hits and taters in clutch situations. The C-s I see are aweful, Crede is n pace for like 8 errors, and 25HRS, Ill take that out of a 3B ANYDAY!!! Even Timo has done what has been asked of him, its not his fault he cant get playing time, thats why he should go when Gload comes back, which I heard Ross hit 2 HRs last night vs the Paw Sox and is hitting .430!

 

Carl Everett is an A+ hands down, he carried this team for a month and if it werent for Carl, we wouldnt looking this good for certain!!!

Edited July 5, 2005 by WSoxMatt

[greasywheels121]

Position Players

 

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger B+

1B-Konerko B-

1B-Gload NA

2B-Iguchi A-

2B-Harris B

SS-Uribe B-

3B-Crede B-

OF-Rowand B+

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B

OF/DH-Everett B+

OF-Perez D

UTL-Ozuna A-

DH-Thomas A-

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras C-

SP-Hernandez C+

SP-Garland A

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A

RP-Vizcaino C

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte C+

LP-Cotts B+

 

------------------------------

I'm that bastard professor that doesn't give A+'s out.

 

I love this team. Let's get 30 games over tonight!

[knightni]

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger B

1B-Konerko C+

2B-Iguchi B+

2B-Harris C-

SS-Uribe C+

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B-

OF-Podsednik A+

OF-Dye B

OF/DH-Everett B

OF-Perez D+

UTL-Ozuna B-

DH-Thomas B+

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras D+

SP-Hernandez C-

SP-Garland A

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino D+

RP-Taktsu C-

RP-Hermanson A-

LP-Marte B-

LP-Cotts A

[qwerty]

C-AJ- B+

C-Widger - B+

1B-Konerko - B- I just think he could do more

2B-Iguchi A+

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe C+ He may suprise us yet

3B-Crede B underated by most

OF-Rowand B+

OF-Podsednik A+  What can you say

OF-Dye A-

OF-Perez ? Who?

UTL-Ozuna B

DH-Everett A-

DH-Thomas A

SP-Buehrle A+

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras B

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A+

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A

LP-Marte B-

LP-Cotts A

 

[NUKE_CLEVELAND]

Position Players:

 

 

Pods: A

 

He is the leadoff hitter we've sorely lacked for some time now. His OBP is great, he delivers timely hits and his stealing capability totally messes with a pitchers head. People say he gets bad jumps on a lot of balls but despite that I still have no complaints about his defense

 

Gooch: B+

 

Between him and Pods they carried the offense when the big boppers were all struggling. He's cooled off some but he's still capable of getting the clutch hit at any time. Defensively he's gotten it done without any issues.

 

Carl: B+

 

Jurassic's production has been steady all season long so far and his versatility makes him valuable to the team. He can play DH to give Frank a rest or can play the outfield when needed.

 

Frank: NA

 

I really can't give Frank a grade cause he hasn't been back for very long but I give him MAJOR props though. His return provided a spark that got the offense back on track.

 

Kong. A-

 

On a pace to more or less equal his HR numbers from last season and his RBI's havent slipped either. His average could be better remember he was in a terrible slump for a good little while during May. Defensively he's doing just fine IMHO.

 

Dye. B+

 

I did a double take when I saw he had just hit his 18th HR yesterday. I knew he had a good amount but I didn't think it was that many. On this pace he'd set a new career high. Like Kong he was in a terrible slump for the longest time but lately he's been on fire and helped spark a nice turnaround in the offense. Defensively he's as strong or better than Magg$ was out there and for about a fifth the price.

 

Arow. A

 

Power numbers aren't what they were last season but last time I looked he was hitting about .350-.370 ish with RISP. That's a lot more valuable to me than a meaningless solo shot here or there. Defensively I have no issues with him out there in CF.

 

Crede. B-

 

His power numbers are very decieving. Crede and his popups and Ks have killed more rallies this season than I care to remember. I will give him a lot of credit for his work defensively though. He's probably made up for about half of the rallies he's killed by saving runs with his defensive plays.

 

Uribe. C

 

Defensively he has done a fine job but I really have a problem with his offense, especially as of late. It seems every time he goes up there he just starts hacking away at everything as hard as he can hoping to maybe make contact. Me and some of my buds like to joke that he would swing at the ball as it was being thrown back to the pitcher. Exaggeration? Maybe. But not by much.

 

AJP. A

 

Cancer? I think not. His offense has been spotty at times but he brings so much more to this team than that. He has gotten this pitching staff into line. They trust and respect him and he's a big reason IMHO that guys like Garland and Cotts are having the years they are having.

 

Ozuna. B+

 

He can play different positions, he can pinch run, he can deliver a clutch hit. All you want in a utility player.

 

Timo. D

 

Can't play defense, can't hit very well. Why is he still here?

 

Widger. B

 

So far as I can tell he calls a pretty good game and he's also provided some timely hitting in his limites action.

 

Gload. Can't really give him a grade.

 

PITCHERS:

 

MB. A

 

Stellar. Record would be better if the offense hadn't screwed him over a couple of times but no need to split hairs on that one.

 

Garcia. A-

 

Had a brief rough patch earlier on but he has been outstanding lately.

 

Contreras. C-

 

One of our 2 twin heart attacks. He'd probably be a lot better if he could ever learn to trust his fastball. He walks far too many batters and it's killing him. Additionally he can't ever seem to finish off anyone. Seems like he'll go up 0-2, 1-2 and wind up full and walking guys every time. That's why his pitch counts are always pushing 100 by the 6th inning every time.

 

Duque. C

 

Record is decieving. This guy is no better than Contereas. He walks too many batters and like his fellow Cuban he can't ever finish off batters when he does get em down in the count. Very frustrating to watch.

 

Garland. A

 

Stellar. Had a rough game or 2 but this is a totally different Jon Garland from last year. He has mastered the art of getting out of the big jam and that's why he has the record he does.

 

Cotts. A

 

Who kidnapped Cotts and replaced him with someone who can pitch? I dont know but I'm happy about it. He's been totally awesome in middle relief, which is where he should have been from the very beginning.

 

Politte. A

 

Stellar. He's been totally lights out all season long. BRAVO!

 

Hermanson. A

 

He was mediocre before he came here and nobody saw his scoreless innings streak coming. He came in here and established that he could close effectively and just in time too because Shingo clearly couldn't handle it anymore.

 

Shingo. C

 

Gotten a lot better as of late but he earned his derisive "Dingo" name. I still hold my breath when he goes in there.

 

Viz. C

 

Like Shingo he's gotten a lot better lately but he too can't stay away from the long ball. We all expected better of him and so far I've been dissappointed.

 

Marte. B-

 

His low ERA is decieving as he gives up a lot of inherited runners. This used to be the guy that you went to to get out of a jam late in the game but now its hard to trust him. I wonder exactly how long he's been hurt. Something tells me its been a lot longer than anyone knows about.

[rangercal]

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger A-

1B-Konerko B

2B-Iguchi B +

2B-Harris B-

SS-Uribe C -

3B-Crede C

OF-Rowand B

OF-Podsednik A

OF-Dye B

OF/DH-Everett B+

OF-Perez D

UTL-Ozuna B-

DH-Thomas A

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A+

SP-Garcia B+

SP-Contreras C-

SP-Hernandez C-

SP-Garland A+

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino C-

RP-Taktsu C

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C

LP-Cotts B+

[TaylorStSox]

C-Pierzynski A

C-Widger A-

1B-Konerko C

2B-Iguchi B+

2B-Harris B

SS-Uribe C

3B-Crede C+

OF-Rowand C

OF-Podsednik A+

OF-Dye B+

OF/DH-Everett A

OF-Perez

UTL-Ozuna B+

DH-Thomas A

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A+

SP-Garcia A

SP-Contreras C

SP-Hernandez C

SP-Garland A+

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+

RP-Vizcaino D+

RP-Takatsu D

RP-Hermanson A+

LP-Marte C-

LP-Cotts A+

Edited July 5, 2005 by TaylorStSox

[BlackBetsy]

I posted my grades on my blog. Link here.

[Hideaway Lights]

Position Players

 

C-Pierzynski A - definitely our MVP. Handles the pitching staff well. Hits well. Seems like a great clubhouse guy. I'm not sure how much more he could be doing.

 

C-Widger B - based on expectations, he's performing at an above average clip, but he still has a lot to work on behind the plate, in the box, and on the basepaths.

 

1B-Konerko B- - in terms of homers, sure he's doing his job. But where's the doubles, Paulie? And for that matter, where's the friggin' average, Paulie? For a guy with almost 20 jacks, a .473 slugging seems low. Check that, it IS low. His walks are up though, and that's essential on a team which doesn't have a ton of patience at the plate other than Frank. On the basepaths this guy is nothing but a liability though, and that's nowhere more evident than in his GIDPs. I expect a lot more than just jacks from my first baseman. Hopefully he'll have one of those streaky .300 halves and get the average up to about .270 with 40/100.

 

2B-Iguchi B- - I think in the beginning of the year, he was a real asset. Has tapered off quite a bit though. Great defense....but needs significantly more patience at the plate, and has below average power, slightly above average speed and a pretty damn average average. He hit just .244 in June and is hitting .188 thus far in July. Seems like this guy is slumping badly and maybe hitting the wall at the major leagues a little bit. I'm worried about him.

 

2B-Harris C+ - Hasn't really been given a lot of tick, so I'm not sure his numbers are entirely representative of what he can do.

 

SS-Uribe C+ - This guy has plenty of defensive positives, but plenty of offensive negatives. Never seen a pitch he didn't like, and so his atrocious .248 average doesn't really creep up with OBP around .280. Doesn't have the power he had last year, seemingly. Hopefully he can bounce back from injury.

 

3B-Crede C+ - Flat out, this guy is turning into a disappointment. I keep hoping he can get up to .260, but my patience is running out pretty quickly. I'm ready to make a move at this position.

 

OF-Rowand B- - Doing basically what I expected him to do. I'm confident that he will have a stronger second half.

 

OF-Podsednik B+ - Yes, he's been essential at setting the table, but his lack of power and the fact he probably still doesn't walk enough for a leadoff guy bother me. Still, the 41 steals are friggin' awesome.

 

OF-Dye B+ - Started out slow as hell, but man, what a pickup. The average could be a little better, but it's hard to argue anything with all that pop.

 

OF/DH-Everett B - Was one of three MVPs in April. Has slowed since, but I'll take what we're getting from him.

 

OF-Perez D - There's really no reason for this guy to be in the majors, although he did hit the game winning single at that Angels game I was at....

 

UTL-Ozuna B- - Been mostly a pleasant surprise. Still raw, still green, but I like his future as a White Sox.

 

DH-Thomas B+ - The big man has been pretty clutch and is showing an awful lot of heart. Still, he needs to get that average up to where it needs to be...in the 270s.

 

Rotation

 

SP-Buehrle A - Pitching like Buehrle. Getting the wins and quality starts. Becoming possibly my fave White Sox of all time.

 

SP-Garcia B+ - Record-wise and ERA-wise he's doing just fine. He needs to work on the "Garcia inning," but he seems to be adept at working around it anyway.

 

SP-Contreras D+ - I hated the trade when it happened. I cringe whenever he takes the mound. He's gotten lucky in several situations, which makes up for the lack of run support he's received. I'm not really comfortable with him pitching down the stretch or in the playoffs. I just don't think he has what it takes to be a major leaguer. Loaiza certainly did.

 

SP-Hernandez B+ - You can't really blame him for his injuries, and I'd say that 7-2 is a lot more than I expected from him.

 

SP-Garland A - Just amazing. Outside chance at 25 wins? Unthinkable before the season started. I would've told you outside chance at 17 wins.

 

Bullpen

 

RP-Politte A+ - This guy could not be better. How he is not a All-Star is incomprehensible.

 

RP-Vizcaino C- - Not a major leaguer. Needs to go. I don't get what Ozzie sees in this guy but he blows.

 

RP-Takatsu C - I want to root for this guy. He's pitched much better lately. Hopefully he can totally right the ship. I actually think he's close.

 

RP-Hermanson A- - The minus is because he has had some gaffes. Otherwise, he's been pretty stellar.

 

LP-Marte C - You never know what to expect from this guy, and it's getting old.

 

LP-Cotts A- - He will spell Marte in the second half if Ozzie has any sense. He started slow, but man he's been a savior in the last few weeks.

[skidoochic]

C-Pierzynski: A+++ (he's been great with the pitchers, has an excellent attitude & he's HOT )

C-Widger: B (good w/the bat; makes me nervous when he throws though)

1B-Konerko B (would like to see more consistency hitting)

2B-Iguchi A (Excellent job)

2B-Harris B (Great backup!)

SS-Uribe B (Good defense; hopefully his bat will improve 2nd half)

3B-Crede B+ (Excellent defense; hitting will improve if people quit hating on him!)

OF-Rowand A- (defensively stellar; offensively - more HRs please!)

OF-Podsednik A (what more can I say?)

OF-Dye A (Good defensively and coming on offensively)

OF-Perez C (He does what he is asked and tries hard, but maybe isn't quite as skilled as others)

UTL-Ozuna B+ (Excellent utility player; doesn't make me too nervous when I hear he's playing)

DH-Everett B+ (Great attitude under the circumstances and has been a good at bat most of the time)

DH-Thomas B+ (hasn't played too much, but has been clutch for us when he's in!)

SP-Buehrle A (Again, what more can I say?)

SP-Garcia B+ (He has been pretty much solid. I think his 2nd half will be even more consistent)

SP-Contreras C (Disappointing unless AJ is catching; he seems to do better when AJ is behind the plate, but not always. Needs to get in a rhythm & stick with it)

SP-Hernandez C (I had hoped he'd be so much more this year, maybe it's the injury. Hope he'll come back strong in the 2nd half)

SP-Garland A (He's been excellent and I would expect him to continue his excellent ways)

RP-Politte A+ (I love Cliffey! Shuts em down darn near everytime!)

RP-Vizcaino C (I keep trying to send subliminal messages to him to build his confidence. Hopefully, he will have a better 2nd half)

RP-Takatsu C (His first half started out really bad, but has gotten better. I have faith he will improve in the 2nd half)

RP-Hermanson A (Awesome!)

LP-Marte C (Again, I am hoping he will improve in the second half. He's a good pitcher that maybe just needs to get his confidence back too)

LP-Cotts A- (It's good to see him pitching so good.)

Edited July 6, 2005 by skidoochic