What to do with AJ Pierzynski? The boys didn’t get into the October post season, so immediately questions turned to the off season plans. So far, a little movement has been made in that Jake Peavy was resigned, but still there is the question of should the team re-sign AJ or go with another back stop? AJ filed for free agency as soon as he could and clearly as the season played on, he knew he would be a free agent.

In 2012 he has had an absolutely amazing season with career numbers. He has even managed to improve his ability to throw out runners. Oh and he will be 36 next month so it isn’t like this improvement and career year he had is leading into his prime. No, AJ is well past his prime and theoretically should not have had the kind of season he did. Especially when you consider that he is playing catcher. While catcher isn’t the most demanding position on the field (that is short stop) it does put a ton of wear and tear on a guy. » Continue reading “Should He Stay Or Should He Go Now?”

In other news of note:

 The Sox signed former A’s, Diamondbacks, Red Sox outfielder Conor Jackson to a minor league deal. He’s been assigned to Charlotte. At this point, he’s just depth, though if he regains his form of 2008, he could make a huge impact if one of our current outfielders goes down.

 The spring was different for Philip Humber. Last season, he was busy trying to make the team. This spring, he’s been able to focus on making pitches. » Continue reading “And Now We Know Which White Sox Are Coming North”

That is what I am experiencing right now. All other MLB teams have had games. Actual spring games. None of that inter squad stuff. I still have to wait one. More. Day. It is going to seem like forever until Monday at 2:05 pm when the Sox will play their first game. Hopefully I will be able to listen to the game. Life will seem right again since baseball will be back.

Maybe you too are missing baseball a ton as well. If so, hopefully the following will keep you occupied for a bit. There are of course, other spring games going on, but nothing really fills the void like getting to see your own team play.

 Video games are such a wonderful thing. They help the time pass and for two catchers, it can help them get to know one another.

 Play fantasy baseball? Then you are probably very interested in the White Sox health report put together on Sports Illustrated.

 Centerfield and lead off are De Aza’s to lose.  » Continue reading “Jealousy”

Happy Thursday. Camp is officially underway for everyone. Not too much drama going on. Well, except for the “drama” over yet ANOTHER position change for Dayan Viciedo (not really a big deal in my opinion) oh and The King’s comments regarding the team competing and making a run for the post season. Although, somehow, I do have to thank sports talk radio people for “making controversy” because without it, there’d be nothing to discuss until real games begin.

The fake games being on Monday with the Sox hosting the Dodgers. Until that time we will just wait. For now, here are a few stories to catch up on to help you get through Thursday.

 In case you missed it, be sure to check out Jen’s story on the Conference Call with Brooks Boyer and Dan Fabian. You should also read these recaps from White Sox Talk as well as the two different parts that South Side Sox wrote up. » Continue reading “South Side Hits: Just Days Away From Real Games!”

Happy eve before new year’s eve Sox fans! I hope the last week of 2011 has been relatively pain and drama free for you all. If there has been pain and drama, I am sorry for that. Guess what? With the end of 2011 fast approaching, that means we are thatmuchcloser to spring training! What spring training will actually hold, who knows, but it will be quite the ride once it arrives. Still not much happening in Sox news, but here are a few stories you might have missed.

 The Yankees were interested in Matt Thornton. But KW was asking for too much?

 Top 20 White Sox prospects? Apparently, they DO exist. They get graded. As a former teacher, some of the grades aren’t good. You can take a guess at what this says about the minor league system. » Continue reading “South Side Hits: December 30, 2011 White Sox News”

Welcome to November 1, 2011 folks. Hard to believe that we are getting so close to the end of the year. Of course, that also means we are that much closer to the 2012 baseball season. First things first though. We have to find out who the 2012 White Sox will be. We’re getting closer though. Yesterday, the rest of Robin Ventura’s coaching staff was named.

From the press release, Jeff Manto is the hitting coach, Mark Parent will be the bench coach and Joe McEwing will be the third base coach. All of these guys have some coaching experience, but not at the major league level. Given the experience level, it seems fairly clear that the direction of the team is to try to be “young” while still saddled with some veterans that if they could be moved, those guys would be out of here.

I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing, to go young. However, I still am leary of the general manager trying to use this manager and his coaching staff as a shield for his failures and missteps the past few seasons. I hope Ken is smart enough to own up to his mistakes and is truly trying to fix them, but not by trying to outspend. I also hope there is a serious look at the minor league system and perhaps some re-evaluating of how things are being done. Just once I’d like to see a player drafted by him actually developed and utilized BY THE WHITE SOX instead of shipped off elsewhere. » Continue reading “Happenings At 35th & Shields: Welcome To November White Sox Fans!”

I need a new tact. Requests to the baseball gods didn’t work. Being encouraging didn’t work. Snark and being mean worked for a little bit and then nothing. So, I will contemplate the day figuring out a new strategy to get the Sox to play better. Because I think that somehow my thoughts make a difference in what they do. Anyway, before tonight’s game, enjoy some good reads this morning.

Ladies are getting tired of the major sports leagues blatantly ignoring them or going to great lengths to alienate a large portion of the fan base. Here is one girl’s take on a recent ad promotion by SNY (the network for the Mets, among other sports teams).

Beyond the Boxscore looks at catchers and AJ Pierzynski is on the list. Warning, he isn’t in the good column, but you probably guessed that.

Did you know John Danks was into dip? Well, he’s kicked the habit and is partnering to help kids not get into the dirty, nasty habit.

JJ looks at the use of wins and losses to predict how good a pitcher is. Hint: it’s not all that helpful.

In completely silly news, Tom Fornelli at Foul Balls discusses the Twitter war that broke out between Chris DeLuca and Teddy Greenstein of the Suntimes and Chicago Tribune respectively over Northwestern Football.

The Sports Psychologist’s take on the Sox woes.

Sergio Santos is learning how to be ready to pitch daily. Keep reading down to see how The Carlos Quentin is handling his frustrations.

That should be enough for the morning. Enjoy your day as I will try to despite the failures of the baseball team I try to not fall out of love with.