Jerry Owens' Magical Groin

[Chisoxfn]

Jerry Owens' Magical Groin

By Kevin Morris

TCSN - TalkChicagoSportsNetwork

 

In seemingly every championship run in baseball, luck plays an integral role in the ultimate outcome. As we all saw in 2005, luck can be the key in a world series run — as that year’s White Sox wouldn’t have made it that far without their fortunate 35-19 record in one-run games. If this 2008 version of the White Sox goes far, if they even make it to the postseason, it will be because of one reason. It won’t be the resurgence of Jose Contreras, a career year from A.J. Pierzynski, or even the “2005-ness” of the bullpen and starting rotation — it will be the groin strain of Jerry Owens.

 

 

Carlos Quentin should be in Charlotte — if things went according to plan. As clinically insane as this plan may have been, it was ideal in the eyes of management and Ozzie Guillen. Owens was to lead the return to “grinder-ball” — his speed at the top would be reminiscent of Scott Podsednik in his three long, tumultuous years on the Southside (as would be his weak arm and miserable defense).

 

The attitude towards Quentin was more wait and see; management knew his ability, evidenced by Kenny Williams’ infamous “the Carlos Quentin” interview. They thought he needed to patch up his shoulder and prove himself — something they hadn’t asked of the bantam speedster. They had salivated of an Owens - Cabrera tandem at the top — still trying to recreate the Podsednik - Iguchi combination of 2005. Instead, the White Sox were forced to utilize their best possible lineup — but not without resistance. After Alexei Ramirez proved his inability at the plate in the opening series in Cleveland, the White Sox gave Quentin his chance.

 

Since then, Quentin has taken the AL by storm and is no doubt an MVP candidate. Where is Jerry Owens? Sporting a .224/.298/.284 line in AAA, with a mediocre 10 SB out of 14 attempts.

 

Thank you Jerry Owens for your fragility.

 

[knightni]

It's a skin flute then?

 

Oh wait, that's a MUSICAL groin.

 

 

[LVSoxFan]

A 71% success rate at stealing is "mediocre"?

 

Wow. Tough crowd.

 

I agree that CQ is what's making this team UN-like 2007. Who knows where we'd be if he hadn't come along and Owens were in?

[eickevinmorris]

A 71% success rate at stealing is "mediocre"?

 

Wow. Tough crowd.

 

I agree that CQ is what's making this team UN-like 2007. Who knows where we'd be if he hadn't come along and Owens were in?

Yes, 71% is really not good.

[JohnCangelosi]

How many people really believe that CQ would have gone down to AAA instead of Anderson though? Even before Owens got hurt I didn't think that was a guarantee...not in the least, especially with how much we knew KW liked him.

 

Which brings up another note....where are all the KW haters now??? If I am him, I say "how do ya like me now b****?"

 

;-)

[kwolf68]

 

Had Owens broke with the Sox, CQ would have played sparingly. I just hope these little 'lucky breaks' keeps Sox brass in check for another 4 months.

[witesoxfan]

A 71% success rate at stealing is "mediocre"?

 

Wow. Tough crowd.

 

I agree that CQ is what's making this team UN-like 2007. Who knows where we'd be if he hadn't come along and Owens were in?

 

75% is considered the break even point. Add to it that this is at AAA and not the MLB, and it makes it even worse.

 

71% is mediocre as hell.

 

How many people really believe that CQ would have gone down to AAA instead of Anderson though? Even before Owens got hurt I didn't think that was a guarantee...not in the least, especially with how much we knew KW liked him.

 

Which brings up another note....where are all the KW haters now??? If I am him, I say "how do ya like me now b****?"

 

;-)

 

Quentin really should never step anywhere near CF. So, yeah Anderson would have been in the majors.