White Sox Bats Go Quickly and Quietly

by The Cheat on Jun 12, 2008 12:38 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 66 comments

Orlando Cabrera is growing into his role as the White Sox leadoff hitter, and his teammates are learning to follow his lead. Yesterday, he showed them how to give away outs on the basepaths, and today he set the tone with a 1-pitch at-bat to start the game. Following his lead, the next 8 Sox batters needed just 20 pitches to make their outs.

Justin Verlander was the story of the night. He threw strikes, and the Sox offense seemed more than happy to quickly put them in play. Weakly. In the air. Verlander wasn't missing bats--he'd have to work deep counts to do that--but he got by inducing consistently weak contact on his fastball.

The Sox only put together one rally, when Cabrera doubled down the left field line to break up the no-hit bid and was then followed by an AJ Pierzynski single down the right field line. Continuing the theme of the series, Pierzynski was thrown out at second base (though replays showed he was safe) to kill the rally.

Verlander's counterpart, Javier Vazquez, was undone in the second inning by a 14-pitch at-bat by Miguel Cabrera. Vazquez (and Hawk) thought he had Cabrera struck out on the final pitch, but the umpire disagreed. The perceived blown call and a dropped ball by Orlando Cabrera on what would have been a spectacular fielder's choice, seemed to bring back First-Half '06 Javy. He threw hanging slider to Marcus Thames, who is a poor hitter with a 'slider-speed bat,' that ended up in the left field bullpen, effectively ending the game. Vazquez racked up his strikeouts, but the rest of the outing had that sort of disinterested, You Guys Let Me Down vibe to it, as Javy tried to be too fine with his pitches, walked some guys, and gave Detroit a couple more insurance runs.

The White Sox 3-8 hitters combined to go 0-19, with #9 hitter Brian Anderson recording half of the Sox positive at-bats on the evening.
The 4 hits snapped a streak of 9 straight games with at least 10 or more hits, and marked their lowest total since... wait for it... 9 games ago when they got blanked by the Rays.
The 9 game streak was the Sox second longest of the retrosheet era (since '56), behind only a 13-game streak by the '97 squad.

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FIRE WALKER!!!! DFA SWISHER!!!!

by parkermo on Jun 12, 2008 5:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

THANK GOD

Cabrera wasn’t charged with an error on the play in the 2nd inning.

Very difficult play for major leaguers (making $9 million per, in their option year).

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 6:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW

I had to look that up just to believe it. He is NOT worth that, IMO. I mean, Jose Reyes is making 4.. Hanley won’t make more than that until 2011…even Rollins is only making 7. But, I guess if I compare him to someone more like him, so someone whos kinda old and shitty but has a good reputation… I guess Renteria makes 9 too so that must be the going rate for those type of guys.

Or maybe the influx of awesome, young shortstops in the NL is skewing my perception.

by parkermo on Jun 12, 2008 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those guys are not 32...

Wait until they are Cabrera’s or Renteria’s age, they will make a lot more then he does now.

Do you even realize how contracts work? There is a reason young guys are so valuable to teams.
Jose Reyes at 30 will have a contract that would make Orlando Cabrera cry, same with Hanley Ramirez.

You mean to compare him to a guy his age, who is no longer arbitration eligible and is a free agent, and can get whatever he wants on the free market? Yes.. that would be a good comparison, comparing him to a guy who has no bargaining power in his third year is pretty fucking stupid.

by Grinder in Training on Jun 12, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

aw, snap

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can we pull Beckam

out of the CWS yet??!

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Expect a sweep...

and be pleasantly surprised if the Sox win.

The Sox rocked Kenny Rogers for 7 ER in 4 innings earlier this season but the bats usually go cold against him.

by SSH2005 on Jun 12, 2008 7:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That was a different Kenny Rogers,

and I don’t mean the singer. He’s been more than solid this last three starts. Today is a nice match-up of two similar left handed pitchers. I suppose the Sox’ bats were a bit cold last night (cold and, as noted, anxious), but Verlander pitched a terrific game. As fans we always like to place the blame/credit on our own team’s players (it’s not that the other team was hitting poorly—my pitcher was throwing amazingly well, etc.), but from what I saw last night, give some credit where credit is due: Verlander was very good.

by palehose67 on Jun 12, 2008 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldnt be shocked if they were swept but this is a semi statement game

A great team is able to stem the tide and at least take one in a series like this. A sweep is not earth shattering, particularly after the home stand but 6 defeats in a row on the road (twice) would not be good. One thing the 05 team did do is win away. Come playoff time thats critical.

The SSS motto should be the answer to "What is our deepest fear?". Or maybe just Prozac.

by Tdogg on Jun 12, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

An Observation

I made this point on soxtalk.com.

About a week ago I started to notice that Quentin is setting up off the plate more. Since this change has been made, his BA and his effectiveness has dropped. Throughout his career ( minors and majors ) he has setup on the plate, and has used bat speed to turn on the inside pitch and plate coverage to drive the outside pitch. Kenny himself stated that when Carlos is healthy he will drive the ball to right.

Now I see a player who is setup away from the plate enough, that he is starting to become a victim of the outside pitch, a previous strength of his. Now with this new approach we see him fouling pitches off he used to put in play and popup more and he is starting to pull the ball more.

The question is, who made the change. Did Q one day decide he had enough of getting plunked. Or did Greg decide to impart some wisdom on Q. Either way, they need to review some video and get him setup like he was before. Tinkering with a guy who is successful is dumb.

by southsideirish71 on Jun 12, 2008 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It seems like a move Walker would make

You know, to generate more power and subsequently not be able to do anything with an outside pitch. Just like virtually every other Sox player

by hitlesswonder on Jun 12, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

quentin frequently tinkers with his batting stance and approach

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tiger is constantly reworking his swing

Ripken would change it during a game. No biggie.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Q

makes moves like that himself, as well as altering his crouch as you can see from game to game. Last night he was on the plate more than the previous game. These are adjustments he makes himself, and he was bound to have a cold streak sooner or later. Its going to happen.

by Rockraines on Jun 12, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like the Twins are going to cut Juan Rincon...

“Rincon appears to be odd man out”

by SSH2005 on Jun 12, 2008 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ah, Ozzie

The only excitement on the night was provided by fill-in umpire Chris Tiller seemingly blowing three calls at second base - for both teams - but one that was so blatant in the ninth on Anderson that Guillen came out of the dugout with bad intentions.
About halfway out, however, he had second thoughts, grabbed Anderson and just threw his hand in Tiller’s direction like, ’’Why bother?’‘

’’I’m not going to waste my time on that [bleep],’’ Guillen said. ’’How you going to make a call like that? I wasn’t even going to waste my time on a call like that.’‘

link

Both feet on the bandwagon.

by vince_ on Jun 12, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BA batting second(!)

OC, SS; BA, CF; Q, LF; PK, DH; Dye, RF; Crede, 3B; Swisher, 1B; Ramirez, 2B; Hall, C. Buehrle starting.

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

who says ozzie doesn't look at matchups?

even still, i’d probably put alexei there. but why worry about the little things.

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing not a good matchup for BA

He’s actually worse vs. LHP and I don’t think he’ll fare well against a “crafty” pitcher….

by hitlesswonder on Jun 12, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you guess wrong

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anderson 4 for 9 vs Rogers

The SSS motto should be the answer to "What is our deepest fear?". Or maybe just Prozac.

by Tdogg on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Small sample size!

Or I’m wrong…

Sitting thome seems like a good idea, I just wouldn’t hit BA second.

by hitlesswonder on Jun 12, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't think there's a "right" answer here

i sort of like seeing a little experimentation on days like this.

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anderson is 4 for 9 with 2 RBI's against Kenny Rogers in his career...

All singles.

by SSH2005 on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's up with Konerko?

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's kind of open-ended

what are you referring to specifically?

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.326 .373 .565 .938 vs. Rogers.

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so i guess what's up is that he likes to hit against the gambler?

did you miss him in the lineup?

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops, looking for "Konerko."

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

the OC SS CQ LF BA CF PK DH thing can be a little hard to read

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you are old

and a trader getting yelled at on the floor.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Old, old, old.

Another milestone last week.

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

50? 60? (Gasp.)

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His new nick is "Heinz"

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on Jun 12, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never thought of that. VG.

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

belated Happy!

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on Jun 12, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In other birthday news...

Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos turns 57 today.

“Mommy’s allright, daddy’s allright,
they just seem a lttle weird…

Surrender, surrender,
But don’t give yourself away.”

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on Jun 12, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, to be exactly 57 again.

Pitching, defense, health and 10 or more runs a game

by ballyb on Jun 12, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

surprised you remember!

When she farts, a little rainbow comes out...

by Chiburb on Jun 12, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man, now I feel old.

Is Rick Neilson 60 yet?

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cheap trick

Did you forget the magnetism of Robin Zander, or the charisma of Rick Nielsen? How bout the tunes?

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on Jun 12, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The steady, thumping bass of Tom Petersson?

Rockfish, IL, baby!

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Q! makes this week's SI "Pop Culture Grid"

Which is where we find out Q! enjoys watching “Classic American Gladiators” on the tube.

Of course he does!

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on Jun 12, 2008 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BA agrees with Cheat about Verlander

“(Verlander) had electric stuff tonight,” said outfielder Brian Anderson, who had two hits for the White Sox. “We helped him out by swinging at a lot of first pitches and keeping his pitch count down. He just pounded the zone with strikes. When a pitcher does that to you, it’s going to be a short night.”

by hitlesswonder on Jun 12, 2008 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Poundingthe zone with strikes

He may have had something on those strikes, too, or it’s a long night for the pitcher, n’est pas?

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jun 12, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Verlander was

the Verlander of old last night. He looked amazing and we looked like we didn’t have a chance. I’d like to get the last one today, but with Rogers on the mound and the Tigers playing good ball, that could be difficult.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree completely

He did not overpower the guys with his fastball and curve, he dropped changes in the dirt which was what really got us. He hasnt really done that before to the Sox, which is why we hit him well in the past.

by Rockraines on Jun 12, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the guy

who faced him last night doesn’t know what he was seeing or talking about. Thanks, Rock.

Show mercy. I get to watch the Rangers.

by Tim from Texas on Jun 12, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

someone who has difficulty with the nesting concept...

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The same someone that

liked to party into the wee hours with Brandon McCarthey on Rush St.??

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wait, you're brian anderson? i stand corrected.

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I gotta get ready for the game now, I’m batting second, YEAH!

Larry, we got an off day on Monday, do you want to fly out to the playboy mansion with Alexei and I and pick up some ho’s?

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jacque jones just can't find a team to stick with

marlins DFA him.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080611&content_id=2895656&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cuz he sucks

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be shocked to see the Cubs pick him up again with the Soriano injury.

by SSH2005 on Jun 12, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be shocked too

They will start Reed Johnson in LF and he will leadoff….cubs probably will be better off in the field, and won’t be much of a dropoff at the plate.

Pie will probably be brought up, or Murton.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pie? Did someone mention pie?

Best Wishes,
Juan Uribe

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on Jun 12, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Larry's gonna get pissed.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 12, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Juan!

Long time no see.

by palehose67 on Jun 12, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

plus they have that hoffpauir who they were planning to bring up anyway to DH

and he can play left (theoretically). jaque should, in my opinion, take the assignment to the minors because it’s clear he needs to figure something out (if he does indeed still have it.)

it's time to accept that we're powerless when it comes to the white sox and turn ourselves over to a higher power: KW

by larry on Jun 12, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs