Notes: Thomas' presence still felt

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Notes: Thomas' presence still felt

Crede rejoins club after two-game absence

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

 

DETROIT -- One very familiar face was missing Thursday as the White Sox prepared to potentially celebrate their first American League Central title since 2000.

 

This particular person has been associated with the White Sox since 1990 and stands as the franchise's all-time home run leader, with 448, as well as ranking No. 1 in career RBIs, total bases, extra-base hits, doubles and walks. But at least a few of Frank Thomas' teammates hoped he would be part of some small portion of the festivities in the upcoming weekend.

 

"Hopefully, if he's not on his way, he'll be here soon," said White Sox center fielder Aaron Rowand of Thomas, his teammate and neighbor in Las Vegas.

 

"I think he'll show up pretty soon," added second baseman Willie Harris. "Either today or tomorrow, he'll pop up sooner or later."

 

Thomas only played in 34 games during the 2005 season, before a new fracture in the navicular bone of his left ankle shut him down for the campaign once again at the end of July. But even during that short time, Thomas made his presence felt by launching 12 home runs and driving in 26.

 

His absence has been noticeable throughout the lineup, where the White Sox have had trouble plugging his vacated third hole in the order. Regardless of his contributions, though, Thomas' presence would seem to be required during any sort of celebration of this magnitude.

 

"With him being who he is, it goes to show what kind of work we did as a team without him," Harris said. "At the same time, we know Frank is the man. We know that. Guys won't say it. But he's the big dog. For us to get to this point without him, it says a lot about us as a team."

 

"He's been the face of this organization for a long time," Rowand added. "I'm sure, regardless of how much time he's spent on the active roster, everyone knows he's a big part of this team and helped us win quite a few ballgames while he was active. We wish he was here."

 

Happy returns: Joe Crede,who left the club for the birth of his second daughter, snuck in so quietly prior to Thursday's series finale at Comerica Park that manager Ozzie Guillen didn't even know he was in attendance.

 

"He's here? Oh, good for him. He didn't say hi to the manager," said Guillen with a laugh. "I'm glad he's here. I'm glad his family is fine. I hope his little baby keeps him hot because he was swinging the bat real well."

 

Guillen started Pablo Ozuna at third base for a third straight game, but expects Crede to be back at third for the Cleveland series. Crede originally planned to rejoin the team in Cleveland on Friday, staying with his wife, Lisa, and two daughters through the weekend.

 

But when the possibility arose of the team clinching in Detroit on Thursday, Crede quickly made arrangements to go from Columbia, Missouri, to Michigan.

 

"I was definitely making a lot of calls," Crede said. "My wife needed so much help getting up and around, but I had my parents help me out. They are more than glad to help.

 

"All the phone calls I got [from his teammates], I appreciate all of it. It's always good to have teammates back here supporting you. It's a great way to top things off."

 

Crede explained that his wife went to a scheduled doctor's appointment Tuesday and was told that she already was in labor. Lucy Renee Crede was delivered approximately one hour later, at 6 pounds, 14 ounces, with Crede missing her first appearance by three hours. Crede also said that he kept track of the White Sox through reports on his cell phone, as the hospital in Jefferson City wasn't featuring the White Sox games.

 

Mother and daughter are doing fine. The father would be doing better with a little more sleep, but it's nothing a division-clinching victory can't correct.

 

"It's tough," said Crede of leaving the White Sox during the final week for his daughter's birth. "I wish I was here and playing, but I had to be there with my wife and make sure it was OK with her."

 

Two for one: Many veteran players spend their entire careers in search of celebrating one division title. Geoff Blum has the opportunity to experience two championships in one 24-hour period.

 

Blum started the 2005 campaign with San Diego, prior to being traded to the White Sox in a non-waiver deadline deal on July 31. He watched the Padres clinch the National League West on television Wednesday night and came to the park Thursday in anticipating of party No. 2.

 

The utility infielder thought it was a class move for manager Bruce Bochy to use closer Trevor Hoffman to finish the 9-1 victory over the Giants, despite the huge margin. He also said the Padres should feel no guilt or embarrassment in regard to entering the postseason at .500 or below.

 

"Seriously, not at all," Blum said. "In Spring Training, nobody looks at that record when you go into the regular season. You start back at zero. All you are looking for is the opportunity. It has given them a chance to go to the World Series by making it to the playoffs.

 

"It's a special thing. Most guys don't play on two division winners their entire career and I've done it in the same year."

 

Blum joked that he might wear a Padres hat and a White Sox jersey to celebrate  both victories. Former White Sox catcher Miguel Olivo also is part of the Padres.

 

Coming soon: Mark Buehrle takes the mound in search of win No. 17 Friday night in Cleveland, with the game scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. CT start time. Buehrle is 6-6 with a 4.07 ERA on the road but 2-0 with a 2.96 ERA against Cleveland this season.

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