Mark Buehrle Offers Some Resurrection Punnage
by The Cheat on Apr 12, 2009 4:30 PM CDT
in Recaps
53 comments
Mark Buehrle seemed to be trying too hard in his opening outing of the season; he had no changeup, couldn't spot his fastball, and was popping the glove about 1 or 2 MPH faster than normal. He seemed to be overthrowing to quiet the Johnny Conditioning crowd. But Buehrle put that un-Buehrlelike performance behind him Sunday, and did what he does best, pitching instead of throwing.
Buehrle's velocity was down from his opening day start (Graphs: Game 1, Game 2), but his pitches were more precise, more Buehrle-like. His only mistake was a center-cut fastball to Delmon Young that was left too high in the zone for Young to ground to short. After the HR to Young, Buehrle seemed to be toying with the Twins, setting down the last 15 batters he faced.
I assume they pulled him from the game solely based on pitch count (95), and a desire to keep Buehrle healthy for the length of the season. But it sure seemed like he could have breezed through at least two more batters in the 7th.
Offensively, the Sox started slowly, going down in order in their first two innings. Nick Blackburn was not sharp early, falling behind 5 of the first 6 White Sox hitters, but the Sox couldn't capitalize. Their lone run in the first 5 innings came thanks to a Twins error from Michael Cuddyer who was playing out of position at 1B. But the Sox broke through in the 6th.
A Carlos Quentin infield single (out-Twinning the Twins) set up the Sox big blow from the bat of Jim Thome. On 3-2, Thome popped up into foul ground behind third base near the railing. Joe Crede had a bead on the ball, but slid a bit too early in an attempt to avoid the tarp, letting the ball fall on top of the tarp just out of glove's reach. One pitch later, Thome turned around a Blackburn fastball and put it in the right field seats to give the Sox the lead for good.
Josh Fields and Quentin provided insurance in the 7th with an opposite field single and sacrifice fly. The sacrifice was especially pleasing, as Quentin's fly ball was quite shallow, but Brent Lillibridge, who entered the game after Chris Getz was hit by a pitch, sped home scoring easily. Lillibride and Jeff Cox may have caught Denard Span napping, as he sneaked a peak at third base before taking an extra step and coming home with the throw. Speed kills!
Clayton Richard performed his best Jose Paniagua impression in the 9th, giving up infield and hard-hit singles before walking the bases loaded on straight pitches, neccessitating the call to the pen for Jenks, who put out the fire in two batters.
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Fairly satisfying win. Continue to be impressed with Fields. He's making the easy plays and the hard ones.
I don’t think he’ll ever be considered anything more than solid as a defender, but his bat is looking like it will play. If he’s a solid defender and a 260/330/470 hitter than the Sox have a nice addition.
Good roster management by Ozzie today. If the Sox insist on speed as the prerequisite for a backup role than at least take advantage of it. They did that today.
Hopefully Getz is OK, although I have a suspicion ’Bridge starts tomorrow and probably the next day.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oh and Dotel looks amazing. His fastball is down to 91.2 from 92.5 last year
but he’s effectively wild and his breaking pitches have been very sharp.
What a shot in the arm to the pullpen if he could have a good year. Jenks/Thorndog/Dotel/Liney should be able to hold most leads down from the 7th on in.
If one of Mac/Richard is serviceable that’s a good pen. Granted that’s unlikely and any injury places Richard into a spot he’s probably not ready for.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 5:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if they can stay healthy
and by they, i’m referring to liney and dotel.
by onlysoxfaninboston on Apr 12, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Cheat.
Tough 10 game roadtrip ahead. I’d be very happy with a 5 – 5 split.
"I am not going out like SSH. "
by WTGTD, 12/3/08
by ballyb on Apr 12, 2009 6:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i wouldn't
not with the staff we have. we should go 7-3
http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/4/2/819786/cactus-league-finale-white-sox-vs#13641879
by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 13, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
getz status
Getz is questionable Monday because he was hit by a pitch in the right elbow in the seventh ining Sunday and removed.
“It’s pretty tight right now,” he said after the game. "It’s [Guillen’s] decision.
by larry on Apr 12, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That looked like it hurt bad
I had second row seats right by first base so I got a clear look at it. Who knows about injury causing but Getz is going to have a big welt.
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 12, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's not being Chicago tough!
Q! could take one off the dome and not leave the game.
http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/4/2/819786/cactus-league-finale-white-sox-vs#13641879
by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 13, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had fun today
good game, clear weather, good beer and hot dogs plus a Sox win. Cannot really ask for more.
Decent amount of Twins fans in attendance today.
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 12, 2009 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice...I was away most of the weekend
only saw a few innings Friday, none today or yesterday…maybe me being away = Soxcess?…
Pleasantly surprised we took 2/3 after Friday’s debacle
At any rate, this is my debut of the new moniker at e-gus’ request
Formerly Crede's Crew
by Q!'s Qrew on Apr 12, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI
I think you can link your usernames
1. scroll to the top, click this: 
2. click the ‘Edit Account’ tab
3. click ‘" Claim an old blog account’
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on Apr 12, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good stuff
THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY
by colintj on Apr 13, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol nice change
http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/4/2/819786/cactus-league-finale-white-sox-vs#13641879
by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 13, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm happy about Q!'s power
friday: HR
saturday: HR
today: warning track
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on Apr 12, 2009 8:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea Q looks OK. He looks like the 850 OPS guy that we saw in June and part of July
I have a feeling he’ll get hot as the weather gets warmer, but he’s still hitting a number of balls hard and taking his share of walks.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
fair enough. He doesn't look quite locked in like he was last spring though.
Still, for a guy coming off wrist surgery to see him hit hit 2 HR already is reassuring.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
paniagua
Cashing checks and having sex.
by MarketMaker on Apr 12, 2009 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sox starters have a 2.29 era
Moar please.
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
by vince_ on Apr 12, 2009 10:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it's a capable set of pitchers
but there’s a lot hinging on good luck and herm; i’m pretty sure we have nothing but masset past colon.
THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY
by colintj on Apr 12, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh, i see what you did there
porcello ain’t masset, but he ain’t Q! either.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh jeez, tiggers on the brain. hopefully danks can beat porcello this week
and poreda can get some movement behind colon to replace the messet that is there now.
by madvillian on Apr 12, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think I need to read about colon movements expelling masset
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
by vince_ on Apr 13, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who writes the byline that goes with the linked AP/Getty/etc. pictures?
the TT recap has one of little bridge saying he is “teammate Jeff Cox”
I don’t want my beer to taste like fruit or honey. I want pussy to taste that way.
by thatshortkid on Apr 12, 2009 11:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it comes with one but you can edit it to say whatever
" Cheat I would like to become a managing editor. Email me what I need to do."-by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 2, 2009 1:46 PM PDT
" You've got step one down. Sucking a lot of dick."- by The Cheat on Apr 2, 2009 1:58 PM PDT
by U-God on Apr 13, 2009 6:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1st week down
and small sample but Alexei had a really good week defensively at SS.
"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."
by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."
by Tdogg on Apr 12, 2009 11:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
His throws to first were UGLY today
Twitter: @SouthSideCheat
SouthSideSox on Facebook
by The Cheat on Apr 12, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that is likely to be his early issue
Especially the game ender. But his range was definitely above average for the week
"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."
by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."
by Tdogg on Apr 12, 2009 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think we all know his range will be above average for the season.
it’s the throwing i’ve long been concerned about.
by larry on Apr 13, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That they were
constantly in the dirt
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 13, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing Paulie can't handle, luckily.
...and then some depressed fucked-cake eating.
by homesickalien on Apr 13, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was definitely nice to take a series from the Twins
…especially after that HR, 4 pitch walk, 4 pitch walk, 4 pitch walk debacle friday night.
I think thats the first time Ive ever seen that in person(12 pitches no strikes).
I hope you all had a happy easter. See you on the lunchtime game thread.
Logic dead and gone
Its ghost haunts all our slumbers
Where triples have died
by e-gus on Apr 13, 2009 12:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm so excited i can't sleep!!!!!!!!!!
by G-E-T-Z GetzGetzGetz on Apr 13, 2009 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone's up late.
I'll say it SSH be quiet
by The Cheat on Apr 9, 2009 4:16 PM EDT
by winningugly on Apr 13, 2009 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Puff some more herb
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 13, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lets not vomit on the threads
" Cheat I would like to become a managing editor. Email me what I need to do."-by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 2, 2009 1:46 PM PDT
" You've got step one down. Sucking a lot of dick."- by The Cheat on Apr 2, 2009 1:58 PM PDT
by U-God on Apr 13, 2009 6:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
look who is calling the kettle black
http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/4/2/819786/cactus-league-finale-white-sox-vs#13641879
by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 13, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
KW makes the WSJ for his eatery, wants to hear your feedback:
The cavernous space, located near Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios, has a beer garden, a roofdeck, a sidewalk cafe and a menu that moves beyond the usual sports bar mix with dishes like lamb chops. Mr. Williams promises attentive service. “If you see something that isn’t quite right,” he says, “I want to hear it.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123958224930112211.html
I'll say it SSH be quiet
by The Cheat on Apr 9, 2009 4:16 PM EDT
by winningugly on Apr 13, 2009 7:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Waiter, there's a MacDougal in my soup"
White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.
by vince_ on Apr 13, 2009 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they would be shut down if you found a turd in your soup!
http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/4/2/819786/cactus-league-finale-white-sox-vs#13641879
by Where Triples Go to Die on Apr 13, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Market" looks really nice
Looks like it will be pretty damn pricey though
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 13, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty disappointing recap, Cheat.
No mention of Dewayne going 2 for 3 and Punto looking like a big fuckstain out there? :)
Also, great catch by Q…
Crede missing that foul ball was pure victory – especially since it was a very catchable ball. I knew Thome would take advantage when he got another chance on that.
...and then some depressed fucked-cake eating.
by homesickalien on Apr 13, 2009 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was booing Punto quite often
The two twins fans in front of me were looking at me weird. The one lady kept showing off how many foul balls she had caught to her girlfriend. Sweet, your 40+ years old and monopolizing something that kids want.
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 13, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fields woulda had it
"...and when it comes to baseball, we have two favorite clubs: the Go-Go White Sox...and whoever plays the Cubs!!!"
by 815Sox on Apr 13, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes.
...and then some depressed fucked-cake eating.
by homesickalien on Apr 13, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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