Royal pitching awakens Konerko's bat

by The Cheat on Apr 23, 2007 11:18 PM CDT in White Sox Game Recaps

Mark Buehrle's streak of hitless baseball ended at 15 innings Monday night. His run of dominance reached 19 innings, during which he allowed 4 baserunners on just 2 hits. That's a pretty amazing run for a pitcher who's amassed a H/9 of 9.6 over his last 4 seasons.

With Buehrle turning back into a pumpkin, a nicely carved, award-winning pumpkin, but pumpkin nonetheless, the hero of the night was yesterday's goat, Paul Konerko. If I had been able to write a recap last night, I would have half-mockingly said that I was encouraged that Konerko was still striking out with authority. (Check his 2003 stats to understand why that's only partially a joke.) Tonight after the game, I read that Konerko was surprisingly self aware (and spot on) about his struggles at the plate.

"I stopped carrying about strikeouts a long time ago. The way I see it, when I strike out, I don't run to first and show off how slow I am. Obviously you don't want to strike out in a key situation, but a lot of times, it sounds funny, but when I'm doing the right thing at the plate, my strikeouts are higher than when I'm doing the wrong thing. When I'm doing the wrong thing, the ball gets put in play on the ground. When I'm doing the right thing, I have good at-bats and hit. But my bad at-bats that go bad, are strikeouts just because of what I'm doing."

Konerko used that knowledge to help him turn around his miserable, 3-strikeout, 8 LOB performance Sunday into a 2-HR, 5-RBI Monday night. * * * * *

I was beginning to think that Matt Thornton was injured when I saw Andy Sisco enter the game in the 8th. Thornton had two days off in a row, and Ozzie used Boone Logan over him to ice the game for the Tigers yesterday. Thornton did show up eventually in the 8th, but only because Sisco started having flashbacks to his days with the Royals. He was clearly overthrowing, with his fastball 1-2 MPH faster than we've usually seen it; he even fell off the mound at one point trying to snap off a breaking ball. He was pulled after giving up as many walks in one-third of an inning as he had issued in his previous 9 appearances.

Bobby Jenks made things interesting in the 9th. The Royals didn't seem to have a hard time hitting him even though he was sitting at 95MPH on the gun, and touched 96 on both the CSN and RSTN readouts. I don't think we're going to see Bobby any faster than that this year. I'll now be waiting to see if he can get back to climbing the ladder with his fastball to put hitters away.

Tweet Comment 90 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Konerko

I was talking to a friend yesterday about Konerko's struggles, and he mentioned how with Konerko you realize that he is a real person. I say that because when he is struggling, not only is he frustrated, but he honestly seems genuinely embarrassed when he is walking back to the dugout.

So, I'm glad to see him have a nice night. I know the term "professional hitter" is often used to describe someone like Jose Vizcaino, but I think about Konerko. You can tell how hard he is always trying to make adjustments during an at bat.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Apr 23, 2007 11:28 PM CDT reply actions

Gaslampball

headed to a Charlotte game this weekend. Recap is mostly about Wiki Gonzalez and an inflatable mascot... For fun you can just substitute Josh Fields for Wiki and Heath Phillips for the mascot to make it an really entertaining read.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Apr 23, 2007 11:43 PM CDT reply actions

Living in Charlotte

Next time we go, I promise to write up about the actual game as opposed to just the mascots and throw it in a diary. It was our first time to a Knights game and we were in "tourist" mode as opposed to "baseball fan" mode.

----------
Gaslamp Ball

by Dex @ South Side Sox on Apr 24, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

From the land of Tourism (and

who brought you the Homer Simpson ride news at Universal 2 months before it hit the papers today):

That Harry Canary is hilarious! LOL, really. (Though the Will Ferrell Harry is the best.)

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Not anger, amusement

I never noticed this, but on WhiteSox.com, there is the following poll:

As a White Sox fan, what has you most encouraged through the first week?
-Javier Vazquez and John Danks' starts
-Darin Erstad's hustle and skill
-Scott Podsednik's return to 2005 form
-The bullpen
-It can't stay 30 degrees forever

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Apr 24, 2007 8:14 AM CDT reply actions

now...

had that said "Darin Erstad's Stubble and Tiny Mouth" I'd be there casting my vote all day long...

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

by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 24, 2007 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions

i like the grind o meter

can we include daily stats on what aaron rowand (His Grinderness) did the night before?

I'll start.

Last night, Rowand was

4 AB 1 Run 2 Hits (1 double) 1 RBI

by hugh on Apr 24, 2007 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Toby Hall update...

Backup catcher Toby Hall (dislocated right shoulder) estimated he's throwing at about 50 percent.

"That's a lot to do with me being hesitant, too, really letting it fly," Hall said after taking 27 swings in batting practice with no pain. "That's what they're trying to get me away from. Obviously, any time your shoulder pops out, I don't want to go through that feeling again."

by SSH2005 on Apr 24, 2007 9:01 AM CDT reply actions

Based upon AJ's ratios

I think Toby at 50% is an upgrade.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Good point...

As long as Hall can hit lefties, does it really matter if he can't throw anyone out? Pierzynski can't throw anyone out with a healthy arm/shoulder anyways.

by SSH2005 on Apr 24, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

AJ

does have a low percentage, but also cut him some slack. He's been working with guys like Garcia and Contreras who basically give baserunners with moderately good speed a free pass to second base. Could AJ be better? Sure. But having the Count and Freddy--prior to this year, of course--sure doesn't help his stats.

by southsider80 on Apr 24, 2007 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

AJ

isn't there to throw guys out. He's there to call a very good game and to block crappy pitches in the dirt...and, of course, to provide a "grinder" attitude.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Apr 24, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

if he can't throw

he also won't be able to hit. hopefully it is hesitancy and not strength.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

At this point...

I'm just pleasantly surprised that Hall is pain-free. I didn't think there was any way he'd even be working out at this point.

From what little I've seen of Gustavo Molina, he looks very good defensively, and has an excellent arm. Too bad he's completely overmatched by major-league pitching.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

One thing is clear, though...

The Sox need to come up with a reasonable backup, and soon. It's clear that Guillen doesn't consider Molina as a real backup, just someone to play when Pierzynski is absolutely exhausted. Thus far, Pierzynski has caught 85% of the team's defensive innings, and he's only had one game where he didn't catch at all. That can not continue much longer.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Depends on the severity

I recall Bagwell (before his shoulder totally went to crap) was able to hit but not throw. I do agree if injured you tend to baby the affected area, and thus are at a disadvantage at least psychologically.

Unless you are, well, you know.....

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

different injury

bagwell had arthritis. toby tore his labrum.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

According to Toby Hall...

He is having an easier time swinging a bat than throwing.

Link:

''[Head trainer] Herm [Schneider] even said some days you feel like you're 0-for-4, some 4-for-4,'' Hall explained. ''[Friday] I felt real good hitting -- every day feels good hitting -- but some days throwing, there are some things. But he told me, 'If I thought you'd be throwing at this time, I'd be lying to you.'

by SSH2005 on Apr 24, 2007 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Thank you

It depends, larr-bear.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

i don't care how he "feels"

i feel just fine hitting the ball as weakly as erstad does. if his shoulder lacks strength, he can feel as fine as he wants - he still won't be able to hit well. we're not talking about a real fantastic hitter to begin with; if his labrum isn't close to 100%, he's going to be pretty worthless at the plate.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Jesus, give it a rest, bro

The guy says he feels good - let it go. My point is that certain injuries may preclude you from participating in certain tasks and not others, depending upon how you feel.

OK?

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

this from the guy who had to get in one last jab? but i can't poke back? got it.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah, the no-win situation

If you get the last "poke" you win. If I respond, I lose because I can't take my own advice. No "poke" was given. I don't believe you can speak for someone else's injury and presume to know what is and is not an honest response or whether or not he's feeling good.

Unless you ARE Toby Hall. In which case, get off the computer and resume your rehabbing, pilgrim. We need you.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions

we do it all the time

when we read mark prior or kerry wood telling us how great they feel. i know the inury because i've had the injury and i wrestled extensively with the surgery v. rehab conundrum. i find what he's saying (and the inferences drawn from it) hard to believe. i hope it's true but my better judgment tells me it's not.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry to butt in on your conversation...

but I know Mark Ellis was able to come back from a tear in his labrum without going under the knife. He seems to have fully recovered as indicated by his high level of play. Granted, he's a second baseman and arm doesn't have to be as strong as that of a catcher.

I should also point out that he took a year off to heal, but I'll leave it to the rest of you to split hairs ;)

All in all, I would be amazed if Hall can play worth a lick this year given the injury.

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Apr 24, 2007 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

don't get me wrong

you can certainly come back without surgery. as you point out, the timeframe here seems tight. pain isn't the issue. toby said a day or two after the injury that he felt no pain. i felt the same way a month after the injury as he did. it's just that, when you do start pressing things, the strength in the shoulder just isn't there. pretty weird feeling. i hope he's a better man that most of us are.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

You bring new information to the table

kimosabe. Personal experience. Why didn't you say so?

I withdraw my earlier concern.

(Are you Randy "Macho Man" Savage, the guy who wrestled Peter Parker in "Spider Man 1"?)

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions

i thought i'd mentioned this before

when the injury happened. heck, i thought you were the guy who made a comment like "a lawyer and a doctor, huh" when i explained the difference between a SLAP tear (what pitchers get) and a bankart lesion (what you get when you separate your shoulder, like toby did).

i think they're rushing toby back and i'm not all that confident of it being a success. i understand why they're doing it, of course.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I may have

but it was purely a throwaway comment. I will commit this to memory the next time we discuss medical issues - sounds like you have some unfortunate experience from which to draw.

Hope Toby's seeking a 2nd opinion. ("And you're ugly, too!" Badump, bum.)

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions

yup

career-ending. not necessarily because of the injury itself causing problems going forward but because of the loss of playing time and rehab costing me opportunities. probably for the best in the end. you have to give up the ghost sometime.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I have nothing to say regarding this,

but merely wish to experience the visceral thrill of seeing my comment squeezed into a half-inch field.

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions

at this point

it is beginning to look like an e e cummings poem i think that here nesting is perhaps not called for

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Personally

I, too, have nothing to say but wanted to see the skinny post.

Erstad sucks.

by hugh on Apr 24, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

If anyone's bored...

The Charlotte-Toledo game is ongoing.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 10:34 AM CDT reply actions

Huh.

I didn't know Bret Prinz was on the Knights.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Jeez, Charlotte's averages look

worse than ours right now.

by chrome on Apr 24, 2007 11:12 AM CDT reply actions

Grind-O-Meter

Too funny...I love it. And, I can almost guarantee it will be clocking around 71 by the end of tonight.

Was there anybody that didn't just know the game was over yesterday the moment Riske took the bump? I chuckled out loud when I saw the call to the pen.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Apr 24, 2007 12:10 PM CDT reply actions

The Royals' bullpen...

Is absolutely terrible. The rest of the team actually isn't that embarrassing, and there's a lot of promise on that roster, but man, that 'pen.

I suppose it could be worse for them - they could have Tampa's pen.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Royals starters

better work on throwing complete games. That bullpen is one trainwreck after another.

Not that Bobby doesn't scare me every time he throws.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Apr 24, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, they could still have

the Sisco Kid!

So they have that going for them...

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

KC Pen

I believe they already lost about 6 arms this year to injury - 3 or 4 to shoulder, 1 to oblique, can't remember the the other/s. (And really don't care -just glad to see the Sox beat them)

by Brush Back on Apr 24, 2007 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Tonight's Game on CSN+2

Due to the Bulls and Scrubs games, the Sox have been demoted to Comcast Sports Net++ for tonight's game.

The channels are:

Comcast (Chicago) - 14/86
WOW - 74
DirecTV - 669
Dish Network - 449

All the other cable systems can be found here:

http://chicago.comcastsportsnet.com/Illinois-Systems.asp

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Apr 24, 2007 12:17 PM CDT reply actions

I don't understand...

the Buehrle-pumpkin comment. It doens't make any sense to me. Allowing a few hits and a couple runs after 15 innings of hitless ball means he's back to getting "carved up"? Is that what the comment means? I don't get it. Does he not deserve the AL Player of the Week Award? Jeez.

by defensive indifference on Apr 24, 2007 1:07 PM CDT reply actions

You know, I have to agree wtih you

Cheat's loved bashing Buehrle so much the past year or so. It seems a little premature to say he's a "pumpkin" after 3 ER in 7 innings. I'll take that outing every time.

We have plenty on whom to train our critique - let's let Mark alone unless he starts sucking like last year.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously.

I was sure I was just reading that incorrectly. It makes no sense at all to be vaguely jabbing at a guy who's pitched so far above expectations so far this season.

But...I suppose Cheat's allowed his punching bag if we're all allowed to have ours. Which brings to mind an idea: Darin Erstad Punching Bag Night at the ballpark? Do you think that would fly?

by defensive indifference on Apr 24, 2007 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Nothing from Erstad

ever flies. Only rolls lazily on the ground.

by southsider80 on Apr 24, 2007 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions

You know...

that raises a good point. Erstad used to have decent power, spraying line drives all over the ballpark. Now it looks like he's content to try to bloop singles over the infielders' heads or beat out grounders.

Usually it's the speed that goes first, but in Erstad's case, it looks like his power has left him entirely. Weird.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps when with the Halos

Rod Carew was his hitting instructor. No one ever flared it better over the SS' head than Rod.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Speaking of injuries

Didn't DE have a bad wrist injury in the past? He has a horrible swing now, it's all straight arm with locked wrists like a golfer. He gets zero snap of the wrist and can't around on a good fastball. He lunges to compensate. Yech.

This kid, he had his chance last year.

by ChicagoPete on Apr 24, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

The Mighty Erstad

In trying to answer my own question (still haven't found out) I stumbled onto this 2005 scouting report on an Angels blog. It's hilarious, they hated him then as much as we do now - and he's only gotten worse!:

Had MVP-caliber 2000 season, which would appear to be a fluke as he hasn't had a single league-average season since. Quite effective against righties (.316/.370/.426), anemic numbers against lefties (.253/.298/.349) last season - the largest such split of his career. Sees a fair amount of pitches, but rarely draws walks. Couldn't hit a breaking pitch if his life depended on it. No power to speak of - purely slap hitter. Arguably the lightest-hitting firstbaseman in baseball.
Defense:

The full report is here http://pearly-gates.blogspot.com/2005/01/scouting-report-darin-erstad.html

It's just a matter of time till Ozzie puts him at first.

This kid, he had his chance last year.

by ChicagoPete on Apr 24, 2007 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

he broke a bone in his wrist

during the world series. i suppose that could affect his flexibility but i don't know enough about what he looked like before that.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Odd to see an old guy

with young-player skills sucking so hard. Usually, those are the ones who age best, IIRC. I suppose, though, that if you can't get deccent wood on the ball, nothing else really matters.

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I've gotta second that.

I'm all over Sox-bashing, usually. But Mark had a decent outing last night.

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Cinderella.

Remember... fairy godmother... glass slipper? She had to go to that ball in style... and the fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a sweet ride? Then when the clock struck midnite... and it turned back into a pumpkin?

Nothing was wrong with the pumpkin... it was just enjoying being a pumpkin. But for one special night, the pumpkin got to enjoy being a sweet carraige.

I didn't read any bashing. Just that the clock struck midnite... i.e. no more no hitter... and everything is back to normal.

In other words... he wasn't going to stay perfect forever.

by rebstock on Apr 24, 2007 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I understand the reference -

it was the "carved" phrase that seemed to "dig" a little deeper than necessary. Actually, no dig was necessary, right?

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I saw it as an

award winning Jack-o-lantern. I read that as a cinderella reference that switched to a like a kid winning an award for having a nicely carved pumpkin. I guess I'm not seeing the pumpkin as a derogatory term.

Pumpkin art can actually be quite beautiful.

by rebstock on Apr 24, 2007 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I see your perspective

You have a point.

I'm going to go home now - this is twice in <24 hours I've missed Cheat's references, and I must, ala Paulie, do some "self-reflection".

Anyone have a candle, a sitar, and some incense?

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, you're not the only one.

I still don't think of the no-hitter as a miracle...uh, pumpkin-carriage though. I mean, Buehrle's thrown too many CG (low-hitters?) in his career for this to me be some great surprise to anyone. Now if Javy pitched a no-hitter, then I'd claim that somebody miracled his ass there.

by defensive indifference on Apr 24, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Even though

Buehrle himself said his name and no-hitter just don't go together?

Given the current staff... I think Javy is most likely to be the one to pitch a no hitter. When he does sort of put it together for a short period of time, like 4 innings... he dominates. He could luck into something.

It's just too rare a feat. When pitchers like Clemens or Maddux combined have less no hitters than Buehrle...

by rebstock on Apr 24, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

That seems

like too strong a pennance.

Optimist

by Peder on Apr 24, 2007 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I watch my first Charlotte game on

Gameday and Josh Fields busts out of his slump with an RBI double and a walk off 2 run homer, maybe I should watch those games more often.

by chrome on Apr 24, 2007 1:15 PM CDT reply actions

For

all of you Erstad lovers (just kidding)....Keith Law, who I like, in his latest chat, named our own Darrin Erstad THE worst position player in the majors...he added that he thought Guillen was one of the best handful of managers in the game, although his intense Erstad love was giving him second thoughts about that.

by dantesox on Apr 24, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Pssht. Like I care about "worst."

Erstad's the least ungritty player in the league, and second only to Eckstein.

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

not sure if that's true

but he's got to be pretty close to the bottom.

by larry on Apr 24, 2007 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Can you post the dialogue?

Please.

It takes two to lie; one to lie and one to listen.

by Toonderstrook on Apr 24, 2007 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

another nice outing for egbert

jack egbert [4/23]: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 K, 1 BB, ERA 1.80

by The Wizard on Apr 24, 2007 1:33 PM CDT reply actions

and cunningham keeps on hitting

after going 3-5 with a triple yesterday he's now hitting .375/.448/.554/1.001 with 7 BB, 5 K, 7 SB, 3 CS

by The Wizard on Apr 24, 2007 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Cunningham...

appears to be playing below his level. He'll be in Birmingham before too long.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions

walker

[Mark Gonzales]

The Sox are scheduled to face Brian Bannister, son of former Sox pitcher Floyd Bannister, in Tuesday night's finale.

"It's shocking," said hitting coach Greg Walker, who played with Floyd Bannister and commuted regularly with him from their Palos Heights homes from 1983 to 1989. "I followed Brian's career from USC. Our families are close."

Bannister was recalled from Triple-A Omaha, where he was 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four starts.

"I wish him the best after we win Tuesday," Walker said with smile.

by The Wizard on Apr 24, 2007 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

I didn't know...

that Brian Bannister was Floyd's kid.

Time flies. I remember reading an article about Cecil Fielder back when Cecil was a top home run hitter, and they talked about young Prince running around the clubhouse.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Apr 24, 2007 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I wonder if he gives up the gopher ball

like the old man - I remember Floyd would give up an average of one per 5-6 innings, even in his good years.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Come on now...

Don't pick on Pretty Boy Floyd. He gave up a dinger every 8 innings for his career.

It takes two to lie; one to lie and one to listen.

by Toonderstrook on Apr 24, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I guess I was remembering 1987

when he gave up a cool 38 in 228+ innings, for a cool 1.49/9 innings.

Hey, I can Google, too.

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Google is great.

But Baseball Reference is where it's at. I don't know if you remember my post from a week ago containing snippets of a "discussion" about Erstad that I had with someone at the office. Regardless, this person REALLY, TRULY still has no idea why I think he sucks. It is driving me bananas.

It takes two to lie; one to lie and one to listen.

by Toonderstrook on Apr 24, 2007 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, Google automatically

throws it over to BP or BR whenever I ask for info. I am stunned at the magnitude of stats (and more by you guys who know them all).

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Grind O Meter

did that just start today or have I just been blind and completely missing it

GO SOX!!!!

by marco054 on Apr 24, 2007 4:25 PM CDT reply actions

Last night, I think

by Dongfang Hong on Apr 24, 2007 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Definitely last night

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2007 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Any chance

that they get this game in tonight?

Optimist

by Peder on Apr 24, 2007 5:44 PM CDT reply actions

Nice!!!!!

Tigers lose...though they battled back from 7-0.

by stanchar on Apr 24, 2007 6:23 PM CDT reply actions

Thome

out with oblique strain....why can't he do this with a tough left-handed on the mound?

by dantesox on Apr 24, 2007 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Apparently, Thome hurt it when he beat the shift.

by SSH2005 on Apr 24, 2007 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

The Rangers have more faith in Loe than McCarthy.

With Vicente Padilla going Wednesday after Tuesday's rainout, Brandon McCarthy's next start has been pushed back to Sunday.
Kameron Loe will go Thursday and be followed by Robinson Tejeda and Kevin Millwood. It's interesting that the Rangers are already showing more confidence in Loe -- who wasn't good enough to beat out Jamey Wright a few weeks ago -- than in McCarthy.

Source: Rangers.mlb.com

by SSH2005 on Apr 24, 2007 6:43 PM CDT reply actions