The White Sox starting spring training and since it’s early in camp, there really is nothing to talk about. The reporters want to report something so we have a story that really isn’t a story dominating the White Sox headlines.
“Ozzie Gullien Names Mark Buehrle Opening Day Starter”
This is a story? I mean, this is as close to the biggest no brainer there is in Chicago sports. Mark Buehrle is the face of the franchise (no offense to team captain and close runner up Paulee). He’s the longest tenured White Sox, he’s the player who catches every ceremonial first pitch (when he’s not pitching), has a perfect game, no hitter, multiple all-star appearances and has made the playoffs 3 times (2000, 2005, 2008) with a World Series ring. So yeah, that’s the guy I want starting opening day for me.
Another reason pitching Buehrle opening day makes sense is setting up the leftie then righty rotation. In my opinion the White Sox top three pitchers are Peavy, Buehrle and Danks with Floyd being a close 4th. If the White Sox throw Buehrle (lefty) first, Peavy (rightie) second, that means they can throw Danks (leftie) 3rd and keep the alternating leftie, righty intact.
Another reason I find this a non story is who really cares who pitches the first game. Each pitcher if they pitch healthy will pitch roughly the same amount of games. I’d be more concerned with who is going to start game one of the playoffs.
The good news about this story though is it seems Peavy and Buehrle are getting along great with each other and teammates. Pitching Coach Don Cooper discussed starting Peavy first at Soxfest. Three days after the discussion, Peavy turned it down saying it was Buehrle’s team and he deserves the start. After Ozzie announced Buehrle as the opening day starter, Buehrle said if it were up to him, Peavy would start because of his dominant stuff. Apparently nobody wants to start opening day, but it’s good to see the players respecting each other and getting along after only being teammates for a short time.
I always appreciate hearing stories about the White Sox, but there are some other story’s that interest me a little more right now. How is Beckham looking at 2nd base? How is Jordan Danks progressing (Yes John’s brother)? Is Tyler Flowers going to make the big league team this year? Is Dayan Viciedo playing good enough defense so he can make the big league roster? Those are the questions I want answered. But I guess I’m being hypocritical as I am talking about this non-story just like everyone else.
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I don't think Flowers is going to make the big league roster only b/c they want him to develop for another year in AAA. Plus, if he was on the roster he'd be a backup and wouldn't get the experience learning the position and developing that he would playing as the starter in AAA.
ReplyDeleteDayan Viciedo really didn't hit well enough to justify moving him up to AAA last year, let alone making the MLB roster. Hopefully he makes some serious strides with his bat this year.
Another thing, as long as Mark and John are separated by a right hander you automatically maintain that gap. No matter what you will have 2 righties going back to back days at some point. Look:
Peavy-R
Buehrle-L
Floyd-R
Danks-L
Garcia-R
Peavy-R
Buehrle-L
etc.
or
Buehrle-L
Peavy-R
Danks-L
Floyd-R
Garcia-R
I want to also know about Daniel Hudson. Is he going to battle for the 5th spot, or are they gonna relegate him to the bullpen?
I also want to know about Daniel Hudson! Would prefer him to Freddy in that fifth spot.
ReplyDeleteand, for the record, i thought it was insane that they were even considering NOT starting Buehrle on opening day. At least now we know that Peavy will be a classy team-first type guy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you guys about Hudson. As long as our number 5 can go every fifth game and get into the 6th, i'm happy. If it's a young guy, even better.
ReplyDeleteViciedo did have a bad year last year, hence i want people to talk about him.
I also think they should leave Flowers in AAA unless AJ gets hurt, but again, I want to hear about what the Sox are thinking.
I haven't heard anything about lil Danks? Anybody else have
I'm wondering how Teahen is fitting in, too.
ReplyDeleteThis clubhouse is goanna be a lot different from last year. No Dye, no Pods... add some vets in Vizquel and Jones, really wonder how long its going to take everybody to gel.
Perhaps all these things will be answered through Hardknocks (or whatever MLB network is calling it).
ReplyDelete