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There are a ton of tremendous quotes in Minnie Miñoso's Hall of Fame library player file, but one of my favorites comes out of a Sporting News article from 1961:
"I love the people of Chicago. They make a gentleman out of Minnie."
That's probably his humility talking, but if Chicagoans made Miñoso a gentleman, he paid back the debt and then some by making the city a classier place over the seven-decade relationship. So it's only fitting that his memorial service on Saturday was a graceful send-off.
You can watch all the eulogies and tributes on whitesox.com, but if you're pressed for time, I'd start with two in particular. Zach Strauss -- whose family owns Sluggers, Miñoso's Lakeview hangout -- honored a real man of the people:
While Minoso's son, Charlie Rice-Miñoso, walked the tightrope between laughter and tears:
It couldn't have ended any better, either -- a recording of Miñoso, followed by the choir singing, "Take Me Out to The Ballgame." I wish I had the full text of the recording, but the AP has an excerpt:
"Since I came over here in 1951, you gave me your love, your respect. ... My family and myself again thank you," he said. "I love you and God bless you"
Terrerobytes
Hector Noesi is in an awkward spot -- he's the favorite for the fifth-starter job on Opening Day, but many on the outside see him as a seat-filler for Carlos Rodon. His bosses have been steadfast in backing his abilities, and Noesi held up his end of the bargain with two perfect innings on Saturday.
(Also from the "Don't Forget About Me" files: Erik Johnson struck out three over two scoreless innings in a "B" game against Colorado.)
The White Sox have stolen six bases in seven attempts so far this spring -- and Alexei Ramirez is the only one with two. The hope is that a speedier roster and Vince Coleman's input will transfer to the regular season:
"We are working on stuff," said White Sox leadoff man Adam Eaton, who was out of Saturday's lineup against the Mariners but picked up a stolen base Friday. "He's there in our ear, making sure we know the correct way to do things. His insight, his experience, they are well known. We are taking everything he says and trying to put it on the ground."
Chris Sale is still upbeat about his ability to bounce back from a broken foot, and he's keeping busy with arm work in the interim.
"I'm doing everything I can. It's gonna react how its gonna react, and we're gonna plan accordingly," Sale said. "My arm is fine. I can get my arm ready in a week or two. I don't think that's an issue. It's mainly the body.
"I feel like I have a pretty good feel for my mechanics and things like that, so it shouldn't take too long. I've been throwing every day on my knee, so I'm keeping it loose. I can't play long toss or throw bullpens or anything, but we'll figure that out along the way."
After losing Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields to the National League via free agency, the American League has now lost Yu Darvish to injury -- a sprained UCL that could require Tommy John Surgery. Throw in bad news for Jurickson Profar last month, and the Rangers still can't shake the grisly streak of awful health.
Dayan Viciedo says he was "slightly surprised" by the White Sox's decision to release him, if only because he had a 2015 contract in place.