Spring Training Game #10: White Sox vs. Colorado

by The Wizard on Mar 8, 2007 1:50 PM CST in Game Threads

Gavin Floyd vs. Taylor Buchholz. Gametime: 2:05 p.m. No TV/Radio (non-internet). Lineups (Live Boxscore; MLB Gameday):

Sox: Erstad, CF; Iguchi, 2B; Konerko, 1B; Dye, RF; Crede, 3B; Pierzynski, C; Uribe, SS; Owens, LF; Floyd, P

Rockies: Taveras, CF; Matsui, 2B; Atkins, 3B; Koshansky, J, 1B; Holliday, LF; Baker, RF; Torrealba, Yor, C; Tulowitzki, SS; Buchholz, P

*****

Scott Merkin wrote yesterday "The White Sox will feature their expected Opening Day lineup, aside from Jerry Owens starting in left field."

Tweet Comment 44 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yaaay!

Another rousing edition of "Can Gavin Keep His Pitches Down!"

AIM: BrentBrookhouse http://www.badlefthook.com - a part of the SportsBlog Nation Family

by Brent Brookhouse on Mar 8, 2007 1:54 PM CST reply actions

and

'who'll be at centerfield today?'

by The Wizard on Mar 8, 2007 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

Erstad

So Erstad is going to start and lead off against Sabathia. What a super duper start to the bottom of the 1st that's going to be on April 2.

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then I reckon I'm an addict.

by Toonderstrook on Mar 8, 2007 2:12 PM CST reply actions

Now, now...

Don't be such a pessimist. He does, afterall, have a career OBP of .279 versus Cleveland.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Mar 8, 2007 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Peterbell Tinkerpan

He hasn't actually fared all that terribly against Sabathia. (7-21, 2 doubles, only 2 K). But even then, still only a .793 OPS.

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then I reckon I'm an addict.

by Toonderstrook on Mar 8, 2007 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

you can't use OPS for erstad

he was a punter for the huskers man!

by The Wizard on Mar 8, 2007 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

And, lest we forget, a high school hockey player

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Mar 8, 2007 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

Can we get a declaration...

that from this day forward Erstad shall be known as Peterbell Tinkerpan or Mr. Tinkerpan.

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then I reckon I'm an addict.

by Toonderstrook on Mar 8, 2007 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

I second

Petebell Tinkerpan is a great name.

by BustedFlush on Mar 8, 2007 7:31 PM CST up reply actions

Peterbell, that is

by BustedFlush on Mar 8, 2007 7:33 PM CST up reply actions

<nitpick>

wouldn't that be the erstad/pods LF platoon?

wasn't pods the peter pan in palehose6?

</nitpick>

by thatshortkid on Mar 8, 2007 7:42 PM CST up reply actions

No love for Erstad here but...

a .793 OPS against Fatbathia is pretty damn good, especially for a lefty hitter.

by SSH2005 on Mar 8, 2007 7:44 PM CST up reply actions

I agree...

I just meant more in connection with someone who was 7-21 off him with only 2 K's. Just still no pop.

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then I reckon I'm an addict.

by Toonderstrook on Mar 8, 2007 8:54 PM CST up reply actions

christ

...or should I say Erstad

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Mar 8, 2007 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

2 errors so far by crede

good to get them out of the system in march.

by larry on Mar 8, 2007 3:59 PM CST reply actions

Boxscore

CS: Erstad (1, 2nd base by Graves/Torrealba, Yor).
PO: Erstad (1st base by Graves).

Yeah, Erstad's going out of his way to replace Pods' performance...

--------------------------
http://hiphopnerd.com

by hiphopnerd on Mar 8, 2007 4:12 PM CST reply actions

but he was a kickboxer in preschool

by larry on Mar 8, 2007 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

frank thomas article by john donovan

at si.com. worth the click just to see frank with that weird new blue jay logo.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/john_donovan/03/08/thomas/index.html

by larry on Mar 8, 2007 4:39 PM CST reply actions

Welp...

Seems that people still think (correctly) that they can steal at will off of us:

SB: Taveras (4, 2nd base off Floyd/Pierzynski),
Holliday (1, 2nd base off Floyd/Pierzynski),
Spilborghs (1, 2nd base off Logan/Molina),
Matsui (3, 2nd base off Thornton/Molina).

"It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career." - Carlton Fisk

by madopal on Mar 8, 2007 5:04 PM CST reply actions

White Sox in WWE...

Sox News

A handful of White Sox players attended Tuesday's WWE tapings in Tucson, with Joe Crede getting brief air time during a bit involving "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

by SSH2005 on Mar 8, 2007 5:14 PM CST reply actions

To me it makes the most sense for the starting lineup on opening day to be BA in CF and Erstad in LF. Even if Podsednik is ready, I think it is best to give him at bats and time to catch up in Charlotte for awhile. In the meantime you'll be able to monitor both Erstad and BA and make a more informed decision. I can't get excited or upset about ST at bats.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Mar 8, 2007 5:31 PM CST reply actions

Gavin Floyd

I haven't been able to watch any Spring Training games. How has Floyd looked? I know numbers wise he hasn't been good. What's he throwing (repetioure-wise)? How hard is he throwing (gun-wise and untrained-mind-wise)? Good movement?

by CWSKeith on Mar 8, 2007 5:33 PM CST reply actions

did we trade javy to seattle?

[Scott Merkin]

The Rockies take their first trip out of Tucson, heading to Peoria to play the Mariners at 2:05 p.m. Southpaw Jeff Francis takes the hill for the Rockies, with Javier Vazquez toeing the rubber for Seattle.

by The Wizard on Mar 8, 2007 6:04 PM CST reply actions

Interesting

I normally use Yahoo's boxscores, but I've been clicking the links here to MLB.com's box and they include TB (total bases) in their boxscore.

Couldn't that be deduced without the need for whole separate line under the HR by? Not a big deal really, just wanted to point that out.

Sweet Home Sports

by james@lifeinthecell on Mar 8, 2007 7:02 PM CST reply actions

The more I see Erstad playing CF this ST...

the more I expect to see Brian Anderson playing for the Knights.

by SSH2005 on Mar 8, 2007 7:49 PM CST reply actions

And if Ozzie DOES go with Erstad in CF...

I hope he atleast goes with the following lineup versus righties:

CF Erstad
2B Iguchi
DH Thome
1B Konerko
RF Dye
C Pierzynski
3B Crede
LF Mackowiak
SS Uribe

I would rather have Mackowiak leading off versus lefties with Erstad batting eighth but I know that Ozzie views Erstad as a "true leadoff hitter" and doesn't see Mackowiak the same way. Either way, it's a strange situation -- from all accounts, Kenny really likes Anderson but I think Ozzie would rather have Luis Terrero on his roster than Anderson.

by SSH2005 on Mar 8, 2007 7:57 PM CST up reply actions

That's the April lineup

You can expect Pods leading off after that and Iguchi at 7 or 8. Whoopee.

I agree that it looks like Terrero will be the 4th OF and Anderson in AAA. It really might be good for Anderson -- he can get consistent plying time there while with the Sox he'd be in a platoon. Maybe if he works with his swing some more he can come up and do damage when Erstad and/or Pods go down.

Also, if he can put up some numbers at AAA, maybe the Sox will receive a real prospect in return when they trade Anderson to the Marlins.

by hitlesswonder on Mar 8, 2007 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Uh-oh

A source indicated that Sox general manager Ken Williams has been in talks with Philadelphia GM -- and good friend -- Pat Gillick about a deal that would send middle-relief help, including left-hander Boone Logan, to the Phillies for former Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand.

Williams would neither confirm nor deny on Thursday that a ''Rowand Back to the Sox Trade Part III'' was being discussed.

On the Sox end, neither Brian Anderson, Ryan Sweeney or Jerry Owens have distinguished themselves as leading candidates for the center-field job this spring. Yes, Rowand has a dismal .111 batting average this spring, but hitting coach Greg Walker has always understood his swing.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/289932,CST-SPT-sox09.article

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Mar 9, 2007 8:44 AM CST reply actions

This is

likely not a good idea and an overreaction to a meaningless handful of spring games. Moreover, prediction: Boone Logan will have a better year and career than Cisco-- he has excellent stuff. Unless the names change or something unforseen occurs, this could potentially be one Kenny really regrets.

by dantesox on Mar 9, 2007 8:49 AM CST up reply actions

Players to trade...

Boone Logan was mentioned in the article. I'm sure either Sean Tracey and/or Heath Phillips would be involved as well.

by SSH2005 on Mar 9, 2007 8:54 AM CST up reply actions

But

it will take Logan to get it done....and that is too much for guy like Rowand who only represents yet another non-difference maker in the outfield mix.

by dantesox on Mar 9, 2007 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

It will take more than Logan

As mlbtraderumors points out, PHI wanted Linebrink for Rowand. To approximate that value, it would be something like logan + one of Haegar/Aardsma/Masset/MacDougal

The suntimes article does say Logan would be one of multiple relievers shipped over. And mlbtraderumors throws MacDougal's name out there as the one needed to complete the trade. From a payroll perspective, it makes sense, since losing MacDougal's contract would offset the cost of bringing on Rowand's contract.

Anyway, it would be a mistake IMO. I would be hesitant to deal Logan straight-up for Rowand let alone throw in the Sox best reliever (MacDougal IMO).

Plus, I imagine Rowand would end up platooning with Erstad (grindiest platoon in baseball history?), and so the impact of Rowand and his .750 OPS will be limited to facing LHP. It would be a marginal improvement at best.

by hitlesswonder on Mar 9, 2007 9:19 AM CST up reply actions

well

I'd rather package a few of those pitchers and go for Melky Cabrera. Rowand would be useless

GO SOX!!!!

by marco054 on Mar 9, 2007 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

no need

for another out of his prime outfielder to join Pods and Erstad

GO SOX!!!!

by marco054 on Mar 9, 2007 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

"grindiest platoon in baseball history?"

GD great quote.

by hugh on Mar 9, 2007 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

Oh my god...

It just dawned on me that the media will have an absolute field day with this. Rowand, Erstad and Podsednik...running around...you know...grinding (read: running out of innings and running into walls).

I actually think it wouldn't be the worst deal in the world. We have a LOT of bullpen arms right now and that is one area we can afford to move a player away from (and I'm not as high on Logan as a lot of people seem to be). I'm not comfortable with Anderson's offense...nor am I comfortable with any of the other options defensively in CF (Erstad may actually be okay there, but only 27 games in the outfield since 2003 makes me unsure).

Using PECOTA's WARP values for the next 5 years you have Rowand = 14.7 Erstad = 4.5 (all defense) and Anderson = 19.3. From what I've seen of Anderson I actually think PECOTA is overrating him for the upcoming season. If Rowand stays healthy he might actually be the best option for getting at least league average performance in the field and at the plate.

I guess I'm thinking this wouldn't be the worst possible idea. Not the best by any means, but not the worst.

AIM: BrentBrookhouse http://www.badlefthook.com - a part of the SportsBlog Nation Family

by Brent Brookhouse on Mar 9, 2007 9:14 AM CST up reply actions

I'd rather keep Boone Logan and trade...

Sean Tracey and Heath Phillips but it isn't the end of the world since we have Thornton and Sisco. Of course, if Sisco can't find the strike zone we will probably miss Logan a lot.

by SSH2005 on Mar 9, 2007 10:04 AM CST up reply actions

There's only one way....

this is a good deal. That's if it results in us getting rid of Pods. which would be possible. Erstad is such a grinder that Oz may prefer him over pods. So pods could go, Erstad could platoon with Pablo until he gets hurt and then we could have Roblo Maczuna. Anything's better than Pods.

by bhoov on Mar 9, 2007 10:02 AM CST reply actions

ROWAND

I think rowand for logan would be a good trade-- philly needs relief pitching desperately, and logan fits the bill. however,I think that this trade would just be a prelude to a crede trade to the angels for ervin santana and a throw in. josh fields is ready, and with rowand in the outfield,we could solve our outfield needs and our 5th pitcher needs at the same time

by BIG KLU on Mar 9, 2007 10:09 AM CST reply actions

Sox giving up on BA?

I don't understand all this negativity around BA. He's shown some flashes, so he has talent. They gave Crede three years in the majors to figure it out, but it seems like BA has a very short leash. Maybe he should start flinging his bat and helmet after striking out in real gamer fashion - AR had that move down pat.

What confuses me is they probably could have traded him instead of Chris Young in the Vazquez trade last year. You'd think KW would have a vested interest in showing he kept the right guy. WTF, does BA have a skanky sister/girlfriend that KW wants to bang???

by ChicagoPete on Mar 9, 2007 10:22 AM CST reply actions

His skills have nothing

to do with it. He's too "California" for Ozzie: blond, laid back, non-grindy.
Nobody seems to remember his actions after AJ was clobbered.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Mar 9, 2007 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

he also ranks lowest on my Grinder Chart

Grinder Ratings of Current White Sox Position Players

Erstad 86
Konerko 80
Pods 78
Thome 77
Crede 73
Dye 70
Gooch 69
Piersynski 60
Uribe 23
Anderson 3

For everyone's reference, Rowand was a 97.

by hugh on Mar 9, 2007 11:18 AM CST up reply actions

97

Way, WAAY too low a rating.

Although, since we're all thinking about the same thing -- the grindy-greatness that is Rowand and Erstad -- what would be the all 'grinder' team?

I'll try...

C Brad Ausmus
1B Darin Erstad
2B Mark Grudzielanek
3B Nick Punto
SS David Eckstein
LF Lew Ford
CF Aaron Rowand
RF So Taguchi (weak, I know)
DH Scott Spiezo

Gimmie some help here, folks!

by CWSKeith on Mar 9, 2007 11:50 AM CST reply actions

McCray

I know it was a minor league game and a (mostly)minor league player (although he actually suited up for the Sox for a bit), but Rodney McCray should be our right fielder for the way he took out that wooden fence.

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then I reckon I'm an addict.

by Toonderstrook on Mar 9, 2007 11:55 AM CST up reply actions