southsidepride (Chicago): PECOTA has the White Sox finishing last in that division, what do you think? I like the core group of offense and it seems the big question was the same as last year, the last two pitchers in the rotation.

Joe Sheehan: They’re pretty bad up the middle, especially defensively, and their rotation will pay the price for that problem. Throw in the aging of the team’s best hitters, and a collapse seems imminent. They could be among the league’s worst at three positions.

In their favor is Kenny Williams, who has become an above-average GM, capable of finding league-average starters and capable relievers almost at will. They could use some better drafting, but this won’t be a Padres-style rebuild; they could bounce back quickly.

Kthxbai

Rare is the major league owner who can waltz unannounced into the clubhouse without commanding a respectful hush from the players whose checks he signs. Then again, rare is the line that Pierzynski won’t cross. So it made sense that the outspoken catcher was the first to break the uncomfortable silence when Jerry Reinsdorf passed through the locker room shortly before the first-ever spring game played at Camelback Ranch earlier this month. “Jerry! Jerry!” yelled Pierzynski, and proceeded to instruct Reinsdorf to make sure that his guests in the corporate box behind home plate don’t fall asleep during televised games — especially when Pierzynski comes to bat. Maybe that bleach finally soaked through A.J.’s scalp and into his brain, but say this for him: He is unapologetically his own man.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/03/10/whitesox.postcard/

Life stepped up and bit me this week, spent too much time lately at hospitals. I’m fine, except my ass/hip is still sore from a shot. I should be around at a more “normal” schedule starting tomorrow. Tonight, I think I’m headed to bed early, like WU early.

I could just hear the cheers in Cel field, Cuba Si! Yanquis No! Three cuban players who are world baseball classic caliber are on White Sox. Jose Contreras, who is streaky but when he is on he is lights out Cuban maestro, Alexei Ramirez, who is the wirey yet defensively superior version of Alfonso Soriano, and Dayan Viciedo, who has lightning in his bat and could DH-3B rotate in the lineup to preserve our core into October. Thome, old, and Fields, injury prone, are definitely going to need rehab time and Viciedo is a kid who can light it up from the bench.

the Cuban team has great “baseball instincts”

The Cuban shortstop made a gorgeous catch, transfer and spin to 1st for the out — after being flipped the ball on a backhand up the middle from the 2B

mr skin just followed me on twitter. Apparently he’s a white sox fan.

Nosebleed seat to the DR vs. The Netherlands in San Juan: $12

Carlos Marmol implodes, allowing 2 runs in the bottom of the 11th for the DR’s second humiliating lost to the Dutch: priceless

Mid-season form, eh Carlos? Bwaaaa ha ha haaaaaaaa!

Is it just assumed he will be the utility infielder?

Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been diagnosed with an inflamed sacroiliac joint following an exam on Tuesday in Fort Myers and a meeting this morning with Twins team physician Dr, John Steubs.

The Twins will switch to a stronger prescription of medication and see how Mauer responds over the next few days before he tries to do any physical activity

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/neal/2009/03/11/mauer-has-inflammed-lower-back-will-take-stronger-medication/

I just hope KW never reaches the point where he is often mentioned as underrated that he becomes overrated.

Link