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

[moore4807]

For the week of 06/07 - 06/13 our White Sox had a record of 4 - 2 and increased our lead to 10.5 games ahead of second place Minnesota Twins.

RF Myles Straw took over 1st in SB with 22, 3B Yoan Moncada is tied for 2nd with 20 SB. SP Michael Kopech is 3rd in ERA, SP Dylan Cease is 1st in Wins and 3rd for strikeouts.

Our Team Batting Average is still 3rd (.270), Team Stolen Bases is 1st (90), and Team Baserunning is still 3rd (+11.6)

Team Defensive Efficiency is still 2nd (.713), our Zone Rating is 1st (+18.1), and Team Errors are still 3rd (32)

Starters ERA is 1st (3.90) and Bullpen ERA has jumped up four spots from 11th to 7th (4.14)

White Sox Run Differential increased from last week 354-294 (+60) to 388-311 (+77). Runs Scored moved up three spots to 4th, Runs Against remained in 3rd place.

[moore4807]

MLB has released statistics as well as the Power Rankings early this morning. both have good news for the White Sox.

First that our RP Caleb Frare is tied for first place with Milwaukee's Josh Hader in having the best K/9 innings while pitching at home.

Second is the Power Rankings where we have moved up into second place.

Finally we also get reports from our Minor Leagues that the AAA and AA Player of the Week are both White Sox minor league players!

AAA OF Blake Rutherford has won the award for the first time this year. The scouting reports on Blake says he is doing very well and is pushing to get promoted to MLB.

AA 1B/3B Hudson Potts also has won the award for the first time, and has been in the news last year when he was player of the year in the South Atlantic League.

[moore4807]

We are taking a short hop flight to Detroit to take on the Tigers again for three games. We loaded up the buses and left for the airport around noon ,and its good we did, an aircraft emergency closed the runways for nearly two hours and we didn't leave for Detroit until almost 3pm. With a 6:10p CDT starting time all of the afternoon practices and plans are out the window. We just have to wing it tonight.

[moore4807]

The box score does not reflect how much we dominated Detroit with our starting pitching. Our offense however, went MIA for the day and that was the difference in this game.

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (7.1 IP, 5H 1ER, 1BB, 10K's) was in command until the eighth inning when Kopech allowed his fifth base hit and after 105 pitches gave way to RP Pedro Strop (0.0 IP, 2H, 3ER, 1BB, 0K, HRA). RP Strop gave up two more hits allowing the inherited baserunner and Strop's first hitter to score and then a 2 run homer to make the score 4-0 and RP TJ Zeuch (0.2 IP, 0H 0R, 1BB, 0K) was called in from the bullpen to put out the fire.

Batting Report - Zero Runs on five hits again doesn't win many ballgames at the MLB level. 1B Ronald Guzman (2/4, 2B) was our only multi base hitter tonight with a double and single, but couldn't score from either base hit.

Mgr. Grudzielanek tells the assorted press covering the post game presser, that its only one gme and he was happy for the most part at the pitching and the batting is the result of not getting in our practices today. He assures everyone that tomorrow will be different.

[moore4807]

A long forgotten curse has arisen the past two games... we have forgotten how to hit. Pitching isn't doing so wonderfully but all pitchers need some offense backing them to win. We lose our third series with a game remaining (No, we haven't been shut out yet this season).

At the post game press conference Mgr. Grudzielanek was asked if not giving the players off this past Monday, as he had the previous two weeks, had any bearing on the lack of hitting or maybe was a player revolt. Mgr. Mark got angry, threw his chair, and stormed out of the press conference after berating the question and the reporter who asked it as the "Single stupidest comment I've ever heard said in baseball in my life." GM Moore backed his manager, also pointing out that we are leading the Central Division and that GM Moore just complimented Detroit's team last week and because now we lost two games, NOW we are having problems? The rest of the press conference was understandably tense.

Pitching Report - SP Sonny Gray (7 IP, 6H, 4ER, 4BB, 7K's) walked way too many batters but wasn't bad otherwise. RP Aaron Bummer (1 IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) had some Tigers batters make bad baserunning decisions that helped Bummer avoid trouble.

Batting Report - One run on four hits doesn't get the job done. Nobody got more than one hit and only back to back doubles by 3B Yoan Moncada (1/4, 2B, 1R) and LF Adam Frazier (1/2, 2B, BB, 1RBI) got a run on the board.

Scouting Dept. sent me the current report on LF Eloy Jimenez, currently playing at AAA. I know from talking to the AAA staff that Jimenez has not responded so far to his demotion the right way and is barely holding onto his position at AAA with his "meh" performance so far. There are two problems with Jimenez here - his escalating contract and his wild popularity in Chicago. Last year the fans became smitten with Eloy and he had a All - Star appearance in his rookie season. This may be why he is so high on himself, but he easily could be playing in Chicago(A) here if he only produced like he is capable of, 200 PA in AAA and he is only batting .254 with less than a .300 OBP?

[moore4807]

* I took away the managers choice here with CF Julio Pablo Martinez coming off the DL, I immediately optioned RF Myles Straw to AAA and activated CF Martinez. I know I didn't make any friends with this move, but I wanted to jump start this offense, which didn't happen either!

I've posted twice this week that you don't win MLB games with only five hits, or four hits, but apparently you CAN win with three hits! SP Rodon was magnificent and CL Hamilton slammed the door for the save!

Pitching Report - SP Carlos Rodon (8 IP, 4H, 1ER, 0BB, 8K's, HRA) scattered four hits, giving up only one run on the Tigers C Rogers solo blast in the bottom of the third. CL Ian Hamilton (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB, 2K's) got his fourteenth save of the season.

Batting Report - Two runs on three hits is an incredible winning line. After Detroit's go ahead homer, RF Ramon Laureano (1/4, HR, 1R, 1RBI) and DH JD Martinez (1/4, HR, 1R, 1RBI) hit back to back home runs in the top of the fourth to go ahead 2 - 1 and that lead stood up. Ironically both RF Laureano and DH Martinez had the same exact line scores, down to striking out in their other three at-bats

Also for your viewing pleasure, check out the New York(N) Mets have committed a HUGE amount of cash to SP Noah Syndergaard in the form of a reported 7 year deal which will pay him $37 million dollars a year in base pay to pitch for them.

[moore4807]

We leave Detroit having lost our second series in a month, but strangely relieved we escaped with that last win on only three hits. The younger players seem almost jubilant and Mgr. Grudzielanek doesn't want to mess with the atmosphere on the plane going into the Indians stadium for the weekend.

[moore4807]

The bats finally woke up and just in time too! SP Cease threw another good game and got his league leading 12th win.

Pitching Report - SP Dylan Cease (7 IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, 6K's) didn't allow a run until the White Sox had a comfortable 7-0 lead. RP Matt Andriese (1.2 IP, 5H, 3ER, 1BB, 1K, 2-HRA) got lit up like Coney Island on the 4th of July, so CL Ian Hamilton (0.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0K, SV) stepped in and got the last out for his 15th save on the season.

Batting Report - Eight runs on thirteen hits overwhelms the Indians. White Sox batters teed off of Indians pitching, with five of our nine batters having multiple hits today. 3B Yoan Moncada (3/5, HR, 2R, 2RBI) and C Elias Diaz (3/4, HR, 1R, 2RBI) each had three hits including a home run while LF Adam Frazier (2/4, 2B, HR, 2R, 3RBI), DH JD Martinez (2/4, 1R) and CF Julio Pablo Martinez (2/5, 1R) completed the list.

[moore4807]

We ran into SP Mike Clevinger and couldn't figure him out. I mostly liked what I saw from our #5 pitcher and we will come back tomorrow and battle again.

Pitching Report - SP Jimmy Lambert (6 IP, 5H, 4ER, 4BB, 6K's, HRA) had too many walks in his effort, otherwise he probably would of only given up one or two runs. RP TJ Zeuch (2 IP, 3H, 0R, 1BB, 2K's) kept the Indians off the board for two innings but threw 40 pitches to accomplish the job.

Batting Report - One run on six hits in a losing cause. DH JD Martinez (2/4, 1R) had two of our six hits and scored our only run.

Good News from the home front - 2nd Rd. pick CF Arturo De Hoyos has signed his offer sheet, closing out our negotiations with only one draft pick refusing to sign. De Hoyos will begin his White Sox career with the AZL White Sox.

[moore4807]

A disappointing effort from our White Sox. We got beaten in all phases of the game and need to go back to the drawing board. We likely would not have won, but once again we faced the same umpire behind the plate that we had trouble with a tiny strike zone and I got fined for calling it out. 3 White Sox pitchers give up eight walks in eight innings but the opposition only has two walks in nine innings? Same umpire as last time we had a problem? I know I'll be talking to the league office after this, but C'mon Man!!

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (4 IP, 6H, 6ER, 4BB, 3K's, 2-HRA) had another poor outing, this loss puts his record at 6 - 6 on the season and his All-Star chances seem done now. RP Matt Andriese (2 IP, 1H, 1ER, 2BB, 2K's, HRA) did ok despite his walks. RP Lucas Giolito (2 IP, 2H, 2ER, 2BB, 0K) made his first appearance since he got off IL and he had trouble with the strike zone too.

Batting Report - Three runs on seven hits is not nearly enough to win today. We have two batters with multiple hits, 3B Yoan Moncada (2/2, 2-HR, 2-BB, 2R, 3RBI) was spectacular, but unfortunately couldn't get the needed support. LF Adam Frazier (2/4) got on base twice, but had no chance to score once onboard.

We now have lost our last two consecutive series, and three out of six for the month of June. Time for the management to convene tonight and figure out how to stop the slow bleeding.

[moore4807]

Here are the American League and National League voting results as of 06/20/21.

As predicted SP Michael Kopech has dropped off the ASG starting pitcher leaders. 2B Nick Madrigal (3rd) CF Ramon Laureano (2nd) and DH JD Martinez (2nd) remain on the leaderboards.

[moore4807]

For the week of 06/13 - 06/20, our White Sox had a record of 2 - 4 and we lost a game off our lead to 9.5 games ahead of second place Minnesota Twins.

AAA Charlotte RF Myles Straw is tied for A.L. Stolen Base lead with 22, 3B Yoan Moncada is third with 20 stolen bases. SP Michael Kopech is third in ERA. SP Dylan Cease is 1st in wins and third in strikeouts.

Our Team Batting Average is still ranked third (.264). Team Stolen Bases is still 1st with 92, Team Baserunning is is still third (+11.7)

Team Defensive Efficiency is 2nd (.712), Zone Rating is 1st (+19.8) and Team Errors is third (32).

Starter's ERA dropped to 2nd (3.90) while ERA remained the same, and Bullpen ERA dropped from 7th (4.14) to 9th (4.30)

White Sox Run Differential dropped from last weeks 388-311 (+77) to 403-337 dropping eleven runs (+66). Runs scored dropped to 7th place, runs against improved to 2nd.

[moore4807]

We have one spot open in pitching to replace RP Matt Andriese while he is out for approximately 3 weeks. We have former closer RP Zack Burdi on a rehab assignment, who pitching coach Doug Bochtler is salivating over. The feelings are mixed with the rest of the coaching staff and scouts. RP Burdi is the manager's pick to move up with the parent club.

We have a four game set opening today at Progressive Rate Field against the Detroit Tigers, our other series this week is also at home against the Oakland A's.

The Power Rankings reflect our poor performance this week as we drop to 7th place. Hopefully we can correct that slide.

[moore4807]

We get the win but it wasn't a "safe" win, even with scoring seven runs.

Pitching Report - SP Sonny Gray (7.1 IP, 6H, 4ER, 2BB, 9K's, 2-HRA) pitched well early, but got into trouble in the seventh inning and his bullpen barely saved the game. RP Pedro Strop (0.2 IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 1K) allowed SP Gray's inherited base runner to score, then yielded to CL Ian Hamilton (0.2 IP, 1H, 2BB, 1K) who then loaded the bases in the ninth before RP Caleb Frare (0.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0K's, SV) got the final out for his sixth save.

Batting Report - Seven runs on twelve hits is enough to pull out the win. Four batters had multiple hits with 3B Yoan Moncada (3/5, 2-2B, 1R) RF Ramon Laureano (3/5, 2B, 1RBI) both contributed three hits and 2B Nick Madrigal (2/4, HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI) and 1B Matt Thaiss (2/3, BB) were the others.

[moore4807]

We take this game on the chin, from the very first inning Detroit Tigers had their way with us, scoring almost at will and treating our batters like they are little leaguers! Really nothing to do but write today off as a lack of effort and get back out there tomorrow!

Pitching Report - SP Carlos Rodon (0.2 IP, 7H, 6ER, 1BB, 1K, 2-HRA) was atrocious with location and command. RP TJ Zeuch (2.2 IP, 3H, 3R 2ER, 0BB, 4K's 2-HRA) wasn't much better, but at least got through two innings. RP Lucas Giolito (2 IP, 1H, 1ER, 1BB, 0K, HRA) only gave up a solo home run in his two innings. RP Aaron Bummer (2 IP, 0H, 0R, 2BB, 3K's) didn't let in any runs for the first time since the second inning. RP Zack Burdi (1.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 4K's) made a successful pitching debut tonight.

Batting Report - One run on five hits is a small total for the whuppin we received tonight! Our lone bright spot was RF Ramon Laureano (3/4) but he couldn't score or drive in any runs.

Scouting Director Nick Hostetler delivered a scouting report on 1B Ronald Guzman which is included below.

[moore4807]

The revenge game was sweet here at Progressive Rate Field. Pitching and hitting were both good and plentiful.. The first question asked in the post game press conference was why didn't we go for the "Free Pizza" tenth run, LOL!! Mgr. Grudzielanek laughed it off saying we were a little tired of pizza...

Pitching Report - SP Dylan Cease (6.2 IP, 3H, 1ER, 2BB, 10K's, HRA) is pitching like an All - Star, thirteen wins before the All-Star break, we have talked to our Public Relations staff about getting him some recognition. RP Caleb Frare (1.2 IP, 2H, 2ER, 1BB, 2K's) didn't do so well pitching on consecutive days, while RP Pedro Strop (0.2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) finished up and pitched much better on his second consecutive night also.

Batting Report - Nine runs on nine hits is good payback for last night. Three players have multiple hits, DH JD Martinez (2/4, HR, BB, 2R, 3RBI),
2B Nick Madrigal (2/5, 1R, 1RBI), and C Elias Diaz (2/3, 2B, BB, 1R, 2RBI) in a balanced attack.

[moore4807]

We win three out of four and the drama greatly subsides in the press corps. As Mgr Grudzielanek said "Good pitching and clutch hitting, you can't ask for more.."

Pitching Report - SP Jimmy Lambert (8 IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 6K's) gets his third win on the season and is quickly hammering down his hold on the 5th starters position. CL Ian Hamilton (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K, SV) gets his 16th save in a clean ninth inning pitched.

Batting Report - Four runs on nine hits gets it done today.. RF JD Martinez (3/3, 2B, BB, 1RBI) apparently enjoyed his day in RF, instead of DH'ing. CF Julio Pablo Martinez (2/4, 2B, 1R, 1RBI) produced from the second batting spot in the order, this was noted by the coaching staff for future reference.

[moore4807]

First up I got called into owner Jerry Reinsdorf office for my mid season review. There wasn't much to worry about in my mind about but he did surprise me with a couple of his questions.

First he asked me about our farm system and how I planned to handle our rising stars and our current existing players. I answered honestly with my thoughts that I would try to keep the current stars together as most are in their young 20's. My thoughts about our rising stars is we could easily trade a few of them for more young talent and pitching to extend our upward curve. That answer appeared to satisfy Mr. Reinsdorf.

We then went over MLB top ten prospects of which we have two players at #5 (Ben Wolff) and #6 (Andrew Vaughn). Again Mr. Reinsdorf seems pleased at this.

I told Mr. Reinsdorf about our current coaching staff and minors coaching contracts that expire at the end of the year. I plan on keeping White Sox hitting coach Frank Menechino as he has us in the top five of Team Batting Average. I will consult with Asst GM Amaro Jr. on the minors coaches.

We also welcome the Oakland A's to Progressive Rate Field for our weekend series. Oakland is fighting for first place in the American League West Division, only 2.5 games behind the leaders.

[moore4807]

This was a nice weekend opener with pleasant playing conditions. We pitched well, hit well and played well. Two more games to go.

Pitching Report - SP Michael Kopech (7 IP, 1H, 0R, 4BB, 10K's) pitched a quality start and his only problem was the four walks, but only one hit over seven innings and no runs came from them. RP TJ Zeuch (2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) pitched the mop up duty and only gave up one harmless hit to combine for a two hitter on the day.

Batting Report - Eight runs on ten hits is more than enough! Three of our batters had multiple hits, C Tyler Stephenson (2/4, 2B, HR, 2R, 2RBI) was a monster in today's game, RF Ramon Laureano (2/4, 1R, 2RBI) and CF Julio Pablo Martinez (2/4, 1R, 1RBI) were the other multiple hitters and all contributed in the win.

[moore4807]

We lose the second game to set up a rubber match. This loss wasn't bad, tip of the cap to the A's, they made one more play than we did.

Pitching Report - SP Sonny Gray (7 IP, 3ER, 3BB, 4K's 2-HRA) only allowed 5 hits, but he gave up two solo homers and 3 walks which didn't help his cause. RP Caleb Frare (1.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB, 3K's) held the fort down along with RP Zack Burdi (0.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) but our offense couldn't gain the equalizer in either the eighth or ninth innings.

Batting Report - Two runs on six hits isn't quite enough in a one run loss. C Elias Diaz (2/2 2B, HR, 2-BB, 1R, 2RBI) had two hits in as many AB, and hit the homer that temporarily tied the game at 2 - 2.