What's a used up, washed out, Old GM to do??

[moore4807]

This is what I like in winning ballgames, ability to come back from deficits, the ability to hold leads and even better the ability to expand on leads you have!!! Kudo's to LF Eloy Jimenez and his laser pinpointed throw home to gun down a pretty speedy LF Brian Reynolds to keep the score only 1-0 in the first inning

We are keeping a watch from the managers office as neither 1B Ronald Guzman or CL Jose Ruiz have come out of the trainers room yet. The team doctors are still in there and manager Mark Grudzielanek has no information at the post game press conference to give.

Pitching Report - SP Dillon Tate's (6 IP, 8H, 3R 2ER, 2BB, 5K's) performance isn't going to make anyone forget he's just filling in for Lucas Giolito, but he got the win and deserved it for a gutsy effort. RP Caleb Frare (2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 4K's) threw zeros at the Mariners relievers in the seventh and eighth innings, before giving way to CL Jose Ruiz (0.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0K) who got hurt and had to be removed after pitching to one batter. RP Ian Hamilton (0.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0K) got the last two outs.

Batting Report - Six runs on eleven hits. 2B Nick Madrigal (3/4, HR, 2R, 1RBI) looked a little funny when he had his hat off tonight, if you can imagine a crown sized mop of hair on the top of his head with the sides and back shaved bald, I can only assume its the verdict and punishment of the kangaroo court. Anyway it seemed to spur Madrigal to a good game, but SS Andrelton Simmons (3/4 1R, 1RBI) wasn't letting the youngster have all the fun either. both players were our only multi-hit players tonight which was more than enough.

[moore4807]

This is what happens when you run into a hot pitcher aided by a umpires lousy job. Nothing we tried worked and SP Dylan Cease didn't have anywhere to pitch in the game.

Pitching Report - SP Dylan Cease (3 IP, 5H, 5ER, 5BB, 5K's) tried to pitch tonight but the umpire's strike zone was a joke. Tiny for our hitters but big as a circus tent for the Mariners. I know I'm getting fined for this but its truly a joke when a pitcher with a TOTAL of a half run ERA suddenly cant find the strike zone in his third start? RP Tanner Anderson (3.1 IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 0K) and RP Jordan Sheffield (1.2 IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB, 0K) along with RP Aaron Bummer (1 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) had four walks and only ONE strikeout in six innings of work? And that has NOTHING to do with a crappy strike zone? Yes we already have the overlays showing where our pitches were and theirs and you can see a clear difference of the umpire calling our pitches balls and the Mariner's pitchers strikes in the SAME location!!!

Batters Report - ZERO runs on two hits. Yes the Mariners pitcher was good, but aided by the H U G E strike zone the ump was giving our batters made Kikuchi's effort a breeze...


The trainers have spoken about CF Ramon Laureano, and its not good news. He is going to require more time to heal, and worse we do not have a timetable for him yet.

[moore4807]

Scouting Director Nick Hostetler was right again! We survive and take two of three from the Mariners.

I am called to go to the New York offices of MLB to have a hearing on my "unprofessional and public criticism of an umpire" So the film and digital proof of the gross imbalances the umpire showed in calling the second game of the series will now linger on. I hope they don't think I'm repentant in any way.

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (7.1 IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB, 9K's HRA) pitched a great game, we just left him out for a little too long. RP Caleb Frare (0.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) struck out the two batters he faced to get out of the inning. CL Ian Hamilton (1 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) got his second save in as many chances.

Batting Report - Four runs on five hits. We were helped by walks this game, four to be exact, added to the five hits was just enough to pull out the win. DH JD Martinez (2/3, BB, 1R) and CF Luis Gonzalez (2/4,HR, 1R, 2RBI) were our multi-hit players this game.

[moore4807]

Cleveland Indians SP Corey Kluber is headed for the IL with back spasms, making it the second SP they lost early in the season to injury.

I had my hearing with MLB yesterday, it went pretty much as I thought it would. I got a two game suspension and a $15K fine for my "unnecessary outburst at the post game press conference and subsequent statements to the press". I absolutely pressed my point about the lousy ump and how it affects our organization when one of our rising young stars is undone by a umpire seemingly bent on revenge for him starting out so well. I think I got my $15K of venting at the MLB league vice president and the Office of Disciplinary Action so I'll just serve my time in purgatory

What you will notice is my lack of written opinions for the next two games while Reuben Amaro Jr runs the show. I wonder if the Cubs or Blackhawks are playing in town too

[moore4807]

Our series against Minnesota at home for the weekend.

In MLB news;
Cincinnati Reds CF Kevin Pillar got a four game suspension and the Philadelphia Phillies SP Matt Harvey got a six game suspension for fighting during an altercation during the game yesterday.

Tampa Bay Rays RP Chaz Roe is done for the season after a torn rotator cuff sidelined him.

[moore4807]

I managed to get decent tickets to the Cubbies and watched them lose in extra innings to the Cardinals. Oops did I say that out loud??? I meant I went to a charity function and donated money for ailing bears...

That's all I can comment on but Reuben posted the Box Score for your perusal.

Remember folks YOU can comment on this thread. It is encouraged that you tell me what you like or dislike, love or hate, or whatever comes to mind! All contributions are welcome here

[moore4807]

Posted by Reuben Amaro Jr.

GM Moore is allegedly spending his suspension time learning Chicago's fine history and visitor sites and incidentally attempting to visit every Chicago pizza joint on the Southside...

[moore4807]

My suspension is over, we lose the Twins series on the last game. I get to ask Mark Grudzielanek WHY in the blazes did he pitch to C Astudillo after 2 HRs in consecutive AB's?? Mark shrugs and holds his hands up but says its his responsibility and didn't think he had that kind of juice. Still above .500 for the season, but we need to get back to business quickly now.

Pitching Report - SP Lucas Giolito (5.1 IP, 5H, 5ER, 2BB, 4K's, 3-HRA) sure showed rust in his comeback effort. Pitching coach Bochtler will work with him before his next start. RP Tanner Anderson (3.2 IP, 5H, 2ER, 1BB, 1K, HRA) wasn't effective, but his numbers still look pretty good even if he doesn't.

Batting Report - Four runs on eight hits. 3B Yoan Moncada (3/3, 2B, BB, 1RBI) had a strong game, but hitters behind him stranded him all day. 2B Nick Madrigal (2/4, 2B, 1R) was our other multi-hit player.

[moore4807]

We went 3-3 on the week. We are 1.5 games behind Cleveland for first place, half a game out of second place Minnesota.

Our offensive stats are getting worse, team B.A. dropped from 9th to 13th in AL. Stolen Bases (1st) and Baserunning (6th) are the only bright spots so far.

Defensive stats are up slightly, we are still first in Defensive Efficiency, second in Zone Rating and tied for first in Errors allowed with 3.

Pitching stats are also slightly better, our Starters ERA is ranked 2nd, while the Relievers ERA moved up a spot to 14th.

Our run differential has gotten worse at 56-65 = -9 runs (was -5 last week)

[moore4807]

We catch a short flight to Kansas City for a three game night series. Here's hoping we can take advantage of the Royals tough time lately.

We are catching a break with the Power Rankings only dropping from tenth to thirteenth place.

In MLB news;
Twins C Willians Astudillo tied the Minnesota Twin franchise record of three home runs in one regular game Sunday. While we congratulate him on his feat, we really wish he had picked a different team to accomplish it against!

[moore4807]

We get the first win of this series, not too pretty, but it's still a win in the column.

Pitching Report - SP Dylan Cease (5 IP, 2H, 3R 0ER, 4BB, 9K's) was uneven and 4 walks is way too much for only 5 innings of work, but he also held the fort long enough to make the win possible. RP Aaron Bummer (2 IP, 0H,0R, 0BB, 4K's) did superb relief work getting us into the later innings. RP Richard Rodriguez (1 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) making his White Sox debut threw a scoreless eighth inning, and CL Ian Hamilton (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's, SV) threw the clean ninth for his third save of the season.

Batting Report - Four runs on eight hits is a winning formula...barely. RF Adam Frazier (2/4, HR, 1R, 3RBI) takes advantage of RF Myles Straw's demotion with a HR and RBI single. CF Luis Gonzalez (2/4, 2-BB, 1R) got on base four times and scored once. 1B Ronald Guzman (2/4, 1R) was our other multi hit player in this game

[moore4807]

We lose on a Grand Slam in the bottom of the 9th. Frustrating!

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (6 IP, 5H, 1ER, 5BB, 5K's) only let in one run, but danced with danger all day with his five walks. RP Jordan Sheffield (2 IP, 2H, 1ER, 0BB, K) gave up a run but held the line in the setup innings. CL Ian Hamilton (0.1 IP, 3H, 4ER, 1BB, 0K, HRA) imploded in the ninth, getting the bases loaded only to serve up a gopherball to CF Brett Phillips to end the game in defeat.

Batting Report - Five runs on nine hits isn't enough to win (but it should have been!) 2B Nick Madrigal (2/5, 1RBI) and RF Adam Frazier (2/4, 1R, 1RBI) had multiple hits today, while the lower half of the order had the most sucess against the Royals pitching.

[moore4807]

We win the series with a low scoring affair - for us anyway!

Pitching Report - SP Jake Odorizzi (5 IP, 5H, 1ER, 2BB, 9K's) gave up hits and walks early, but limited his damage to one run and then struck out nearly all of the last 6 batters he faced by strikeout. RP Jordan Sheffield (1.1 IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 1K) wasn't dominant but got outs anyway before giving way to RP Richard Rodriguez (1.2 IP, 2H, 1ER, 0BB, 3K's) who was touched for another run on a couple doubles but was efficient otherwise getting the ball to to RP Caleb Frare (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 3K's SV) in the ninth. RP Frare mowed down the three batters for strikeouts to seal the win.

Batting Report - DH JD Martinez (2/4, HR, 2R, 1RBI) swung a mean bat today, first hitting a solo HR in the first inning, then getting a single and scoring in the 6th inning. SS Andrelton Simmons's (1/4, 3B, 2RBI) only hit today was a hustling triple that scored two runs to establish a three to one lead.

[moore4807]

The flight back home is short and happy, but for the manager and coaches they start breaking down film and scouting reports on our next foe, the Texas Rangers who come to Guaranteed Rate Field for a four game weekend set.

[moore4807]

That win was some home cookin! Those White Sox bats busted out of their slump finally. SP Rodon was shaky and got rocked pretty good in the first couple of innings, fortunately our bats were able to save him.

Pitching Report - SP Carlos Rodon (4.1 IP, 5R 4ER, 2BB, 3K's, HRA) never got his rhythm or control tonight, fortunately RP Jimmy Lambert (4.1 IP, 6H, 2ER, 1BB, 4K's) was able to escape his jams until the ninth inning. RP Tanner Anderson (0.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 0K) gave up a run charged to Lambert, then CL Ian Hamilton (0.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K, SV) got the final out and his fourth save.

Batting Report - Eleven runs on eleven hits. We still got out hit 14-11, but the runs were in our favor tonight. DH JD Martinez (3/5, HR, 2R, 3RBI) had a great game, SS Andrelton Simmons (2/4, 2B ITP-HR, 2R, 2RBI) and RF Adam Frazier (2/4) all had at least two hits tonight. 1B Jake Burger (1/4 GS-HR, BB, 2R, 4RBI) gave Ronald Guzman the night off, and drilled his first White Sox Grand Slam over the right centerfield wall to give the Sox an eight to five lead they never relinquished.

[moore4807]

Home cookin - part deux? White Sox survive a five run onslaught in the fifth inning, including DH Willie Calhoun's Grand Slam HR to go down to a six to one deficit. Problem? No Problem! Just ask DH JD Martinez and friends to erase it!

Pitching Report - SP Lucas Giolito (4.1 IP, 6H, 6R 5ER, 5BB, 8K's, 2-HRA) was pretty awful marking the second straight game our starter couldn't get out of the 5th inning. RP Tanner Anderson (2 IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 4K's) was able to get two scoreless innings down before RP Rich Rodriguez (2.2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) picked up the win in relief by pitching one hit ball the rest of the way.

Batting Report - Eleven runs on thirteen hits. this could be known as Night of the Long Balls... lol Six HR's were hit, two of them by DH JD Martinez (2/4, 2HR, 2R, 4RBI) along with 3B Yoan Moncada (3/5, 2B, 2R) LF Eloy Jimenez (2/3, 2B, ITP-HR, BB, 2R, 1RBI), 1B Ronald Guzman (2/4, 3B, HR, 2R, 2RBI), SS Andrelton Simmons (2/4, 1R, 1RBI) all had at least two hits and CF Luis Gonzalez (1/3, HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI) and RF Daniel Palka (1/4, HR, 1R, 1RBI) were the other HR hitters tonight.

[moore4807]

The White Sox promo guy just stopped in my office to relay a message... "STOP scoring so many runs!!!" LOL!!!
Apparently a pizza chain has a deal where if the White Sox score more than 5 runs at home - its 50% off your order the following day with a White Sox ticket as your coupon. Well they added to the deal this year if we score 10 runs at home - your order is free!!! Needless to say with three consecutive games where we scored 10 plus runs and 40,000 ticketholders are placing free orders from the pizza shop... hehehe...

Now back to business, while the hot bats are covering up the warts, our starting pitching is in some serious trouble here. Not getting six innings is starting to tax the bullpen and the bullpen was not a strong suit on our club, but they have done well so far. I make sure that the manager and pitching coach are aware of my displeasure with the situation.

We are waiting for the trainers and doctors to give us a report about RP Caleb Frare who appeared to be injured while walking off the field at the end of the eighth inning - Frare went right into the clubhouse and to the medical room.

Pitching Report - Not to belabor a sore point. SP Dylan Cease (2 IP, 2H, 5ER, 7BB, 3K's) couldn't hit his spots if he was given a spotlight to shine on it. RP Aaron Bummer (3.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) was lights out and got us almost out of the middle innings. RP Jose Ruiz (0.1 IP, 2H, 3ER, 1BB, 2-HRA) was thrown out there o eat an inning and get some easy work, and that nearly blew up in our face. RP Caleb Frare (2 IP, 1H, 1R, 1BB, 4K, HRA) gave up a solo shot but kept the game in check for the ninth inning. CL Ian Hamilton (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K SV) pitched a clean ninth for his fifth save on the season.

Batting Report - Twelve runs on thirteen hits. These bats are on fire! We are spotting the Rangers a three run lead, then a two run lead, then blowing open the game AGAIN - it has to be demoralizing for them. 2B Nick Madrigal (4/4, HR, BB, 4R, 2RBI) kept getting on base and someone would knock him in. 3B Yoan Moncada (3/4, HR, BB, 3R, 3RBI) is heating up. LF Eloy Jimenez (2/5, HR, 1R, 2RBI) keeps contributing after his cold spell. 1B Ronald Guzman (1/4, GS-HR, 1R, 4RBI) was the guy to turn the game in our favor this time, making the first base position pretty darn productive this week.

In MLB news;
Atlanta Braves 1B Freddie Freeman just committed his legacy to be a Brave for life by signing a 6 yr/ 23.8M per annum deal. No other details are known yet, but its good to see a team commitment for it's longtime marquee player.

[moore4807]

A sweep of the Rangers, but we had to do it the hard way. We need a rest (from all this winning...) What we needed and got was a good starting pitcher performance and eat up some innings.

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (6 IP, 2H, 1ER, 3BB, 4K's) was just what the GM ordered by giving us a strong starting performance. RP Taylor Rogers (2.1 IP,1H, 0R, 1BB, 2K's) only allowed a hit and a walk before turning the ball over to CL Ian Hamilton (1.1 IP,0H, 0R, 1BB, 2K's) who kept the Rangers off the scoreboard. RP Jose Ruiz (1.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) had a much better pitching effort tonight and he held off allowing the Rangers to score. RP Rich Rodriguez (1 IP, 1H, 1ER, 0BB, 2K's HRA) allowed the Rangers to score on a solo HR by 2B/SS Max Moroff in the 13th inning, but RP Tanner Anderson (1 IP, 1H, 0R, 1BB, 0K) came on to close the door against any more runs scored.

Batting Report - Three runs on twelve hits finally solved the Rangers pitching in the thirteenth inning. 1B Ronald Guzman (2/6, HR, 1R, 1RBI) was the only run in regulation innings. 2B Nick Madrigal (2/6, BB, 1R), SS Andrelton Simmons (2/5, BB) and RF Adam Frazier (2/5, BB) were our players with two hits each. LF Eloy Jimenez (1/7, 2RBI) finally broke through and hit the game winning single scoring Madrigal and Moncada to end the game on a winning note.

[moore4807]

Guaranteed Rate Field was rocking with jubilation and happy fans last night. Our 6-1 record for last week pushed us into first place in the Central Division. The White Sox only have two players on the MLB leaderboards, for stolen bases (nine by Yoan Moncada) and strikeouts (thirty five by Dylan Cease). We have some concerns to address but the owner seems very happy so far.

Team B.A. increased from 13th place to 8th. Still first in SB, Baserunning dropped to 11th, Runs Scored and Batter WAR moved up to 5th place.

Defensive Metrics are still tops in the league. Defensive Efficiency is still ranked 1st, Zone Rating is 2nd and tied for 1st in Errors made.

Pitching Stats are a wash, Starters ERA fell to 3rd, but Relievers ERA climbed one spot to 13th.

Our Run Differential improved with the double digit scoring binge this past weekend 106-100 (+6), we went from (-9) last week for a 15 run improvement over runs scored.

[moore4807]

We welcome back Kansas City Royals to Guaranteed Rate Field for a three game series, we just won our series last week 2-1 narrowly missing a sweep by a walk off grand slam surrendered by CL Ian Hamilton. Hamilton has certainly redeemed himself since then and looks forward to pitching against them in save situations this week.

Nice to see we moved up from 13th to 5th place in the current Power Rankings.

Scouting Director Nick Hostetler has signed a prospect out of the Dominican Republic. 16 y/o Jorge Espinal who has been assigned to our International Complex.

3000 hits milestone is now in 1B Miguel Cabrera's mirror. The hit master is 37 y/o but still efficiently performs for the Tigers. There is some question if Cabrera will retire and save the Tigers that $30M salary, but as long as he hits I don't think Miguel is planning on going anywhere.

Colorado Rockies LF David Dahl sprayed baseballs all over the Rockies home park, getting five hits in as many at bats leading the Rockies in a 19-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.