Jose Abreu posted by White Sox Fan

Born in Cuba in January 29, 1987, Jose Abreu is a first baseman MLB player with the Chicago White Sox. He played in one of the Cuban National Series teams before he defected to U.S.A. in August 2013. In Cuba, Abreu held the record for home runs in 2010-2011, and he was named MVP of the league. In the World Port Tournament of 2009, Abreu was backing Ariel Borrero who was holding at first base, and managed a score of 2 for 10. He was listed as an All-Star fielder in the final report of IBAF, but he was not used as a starter. However, when Cuba won the International Cup of 2010, Abreu was the starting first baseman.

After defecting from Cuba in August 2013, Abreu resided in Dominican Republic, and MLB granted him free agency. He joined the Chicago White Sox in October, signing a $68 million contract. The other Cuban players in the White Sox were Adrian Nieto, Dayan Viciedo, and Alexei Ramirez. In April 2014, Abreu played a major role in defeating Colorado Rookies 15-3, by scoring two home runs, which were the first in his MLB career. Later in the month, he also took his ninth home run against pitcher Grant Balfour of Tampa Bay Rays, which surpassed the previous rookie record of eight homers, and later in the month, extended the record to ten. The RBI rookie record was also broken by Abreu, when he made 31 RBIs in April.

In the middle of May 2014, Abreu injured his ankle, and he was put in the disabled list for 15 days. He returned in June and played against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and made a two-run home run in his second at bat, against Clayton Kershaw. For the month of April and July, Abreu had the rare distinction of being named both rookie and player of the month. 

Sox Can't Drive In Runs, Division Lead Slipping posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox can't score a runner from third base and that might be a significant reason why this team appears to have lost whatever offense it had, and as games dwindle, so does their division lead.  The Sox only lead by 3 games with 15 to play...now it's just a matter of time as the Tigers claw their way into a tight race. 

It says here that once the Tigers catch and pass the Sox, the Tigers will pull away and win by three or 4 games.  That means, in a stretch where things can go right or wrong. the Sox might be playing .250 baseball.  That just doens't cut it in crunch time.

Sox lose to Tigers, 5-3 posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox had their chances but came up short against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night and fell 5-3.  The Sox had only 6 hits, 4 in the last two innings, but could only push across one run and that was the game.  Chicago hit 2 hR's off Doug Fister, including Gordon Beckham's 15th HR of the season but came up short when Miguel Cabera hit a blast that put the Tigers up 3-2.  Chicago could not muster a hit off Fister until he was removed and Benoit came in the 8th.  The Sox had a great shot to get back in the game with 3 straight singles, Alexei Ramirez driving in the third run.  So, with runners on first and 2nd and no outs, the Sox failed to capitilize and the top of the order could not get on base.  Rally over and essentially, the game over.  Detroit now trails Chicago by 2 games with 21 to play, and the noose just got a little tighter.

Rios Rocks Out with GSlam, 2HR posted by Richard Kagan

Alex Rios hit a grand slam homer in the bottom of the first and then hit a 2 run HR later in the game to score all six White Sox runs, as the Sox took the series vs. the Twins, with a key 6-2 win.  The game gives the press something to consider when it casts votes for AL comeback player of the year.  Yes, Adam Dunn merits serious consideration.  But I am leaning toward Rios, who has a recent walk-off HR -- today's hits were big.  Rios, hitting .298 and has power numbers over .500, is having a great season.  He is hitting like the Sox hoped when they traded for him.  This is his best season with the White Sox.  The win puts Chicago 1 l/2 games over Detroit.  These two teams will face each other next week in a huge series that may go a long way toward determing the AL Central champ.Continue reading "Rios Rocks Out with GSlam, 2HR"

Konerko leaves bases loaded in 2nd vs. Twins posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox already had 2 runs courtesy of a Gordon Beckham two run blast and were mounting a big to score more.  The Sox had the bases loaded with two outs and Paul Konerko, their all-star power guy, grounded into a force out to end the inning.  The Sox could have scored more.  It's nice to score some runs at home.  Especially after the grueling road trip that didn't seem to end.  The Sox came back to U.S. Cellular Field tied with the Detroit Tigers who swept the Sox at Comerica Park.  The White Sox play the Tigers 4 more games in Chicago.  If Chicago wants to make it post-season, they best start hitting the ball with regularity.  Leaving runners in scoring position doesn't win games.  It will catch up with you. 

Hopefully, the Sox their turn around their mojo.

Verlander vs. Sale posted by Richard Kagan

It's a great matchup, Justin Verlander vs. Chris Sale-- the White Sox leading the Tigers by a mere one game and the game's two top pitchers going at it.  Being a Chicago baseball fan, one tends to be pessimistic, and my bet is that Verlander will be very hard to solve as the game goes on.  Somehow, the Tigers will find a way to break through on Sale.  Chicago's nightmarish road trip ends with the Sox slinking back to Chicago losing big time on this road trip.  Of course, the game is far from over.  Plenty of baseball to play but you can see the handwriting on the wall.  Verlander will likely outduel Sale in this one.  Because Chicago can't come up big time.  And they will find a way to lose.  That's the Chicago way, baseball-wise.  Where did Paul Konerko go?  He basically disappeared when a base-hit would score some runs.  Chicago has forgotten to hit. 

At least they are not getting embarrassed like earlier games in Detroit.

ChiSox good, Detroit is better posted by Richard Kagan

I'll keep it simple.  The Chicago White Sox have hit a rough patch when the team needed to play .500 ball--or better yet, take two of three in the Motor City.  But it looks like that is not what appears to be the plan.  The Tigga's have a 2-0 early in the game, and ths doesn't bode well for Chicago.  Look at the record of Chicago playing Detroit on the road.  It looks like a scene from the Gladiators and the Sox are the guys gettling whacked.  Kevin Youkilis talked about this is just a series...like the next 30 games..."you don't really feel the heat unitl the last few games of the season."  Well, if the Sox don't play better, the issue of the Leader in the Al Central may be wrapped up.  Who knows, the Sox may be in the running for a Wild Card bid.  But the team needs to get in another gear and soon. 

Sox win Rain Shortened Game vs. Seattle, go 16 over .500 posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox are playing well at home, winning their 6th straight, and sweeping their homestand, 6-0 to move 16 games above .500.  The problem is Detriot is also playing well, and is just 2 1/2 games out.  The Tigers loom ahead on thiis upcoming road trip and The Sox need to take at least one game, preferably two, to stay in contention down the stretch.  Today, the Soix got a late 2 run HR from Tyson Flowers, the back-up catcher.  He has had key hits in the last several wins at home.  Today's blast was the biggest.  The Sox grabbed the lead late and the game was called, due to rain.  The downside is that Gavin Floyd, the starting righty, may have injured his pitching elbow and tests will determine the severity of the injury. 

Nothing like good home cooking to brighten the day as Chicago looks like a strong player in the AL as the season winds down.  They look good for one of the WC spots, if not the Division.  The Tigers have been the nemesis lately.  Can the Sox beat Detriot, can they beat Verlander, their ace pitcher?  If they can best him next week, that is a very good sign.  We will find out.

ChiSox First in AL Central posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox are in an old-fashioned AL Central pennant race.  No pre-season prognisticator picked this.  But it's happening, at least until the Sox face the Tigers in key series before the end of the season.  These games will count big.  The White Sox had a 9 game homestand and went 6-3.  Now, if's off to Toronto.  Certainly, the Sox need a healthy Paul Konerko back in the lineup.  This is the grinding part of the year.  You can almost taste post-season, but there are about 45 games left in the season and all of them will be important.  The Sox are also in contention for wild-card placement.  The way to make the playoffs is to win the games that you play.  So, it will be a grind, and it starts now.Continue reading "ChiSox First in AL Central"

Sox Must Beat Tigers At Home posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago White Sox will face Detroit in August for a must win series at home.  They have to win those games.  Remember how the Tigers virtually eviscerated the Sox pitching and made a shambles of the team?  That has to happen when Sox plays Detroit.  The Sox must hammer Detroit back to Detroit.  Eventually there will be a showdown, and the Sox have to be ready.Continue reading "Sox Must Beat Tigers At Home"

Reds-Giants preview (The Associated Press)

Veteran right-hander Jake Peavy will seek to extend two impressive streaks when the San Francisco Giants open a week-long homestand Monday night against the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds' lone win of the series came against Peavy, the 35-year-old veteran of four teams -- the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and now the Giants. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

White Sox suspend top pitcher Chris Sale for 5 days (The Associated Press)

The Chicago White Sox were set to wear throwback uniforms. Chris Sale had other ideas. The White Sox suspended their ace five days without pay for destroying collared throwback uniforms the team was scheduled to wear. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

White Sox pitcher Sale suspended for 'insubordination' (Reuters)

(The Sports Xchange) - The Chicago White Sox suspended All-Star left-hander Chris Sale for five days due to a pregame incident on Saturday in which he reportedly cut up some of the team's uniforms, the club announced Sunday. Sale was scratched from his scheduled start and sent home after allegedly expressing his displeasure over having to wear the team's 1976 throwback uniforms. "Chris has been suspended for violating team rules, for insubordination and for destroying team equipment," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

White Sox suspend Sale over reported kit fit (AFP)

The Chicago White Sox have suspended All-Star pitcher Chris Sale for five days for "insubordination" after the left-hander reportedly destroyed "throwback" uniforms he didn't want to wear. Sale was scratched from his scheduled start and sent home on Saturday after allegedly expressing his displeasure over having to wear the team's 1976 throwback uniforms by cutting them up during pre-game batting practice. "Chris has been suspended for violating team rules, for insubordination and for destroying team equipment," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement on Sunday. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Cabrera singles in 9th, White Sox beat Tigers 5-4 (The Associated Press)

The Chicago White Sox suspended their ace and picked up a pair of wins in their final at-bat. Melky Cabrera drove in Adam Eaton with a game-ending single in the ninth inning after closer David Robertson gave up three home runs in the top half to lead the White Sox to a 5-4 victory hours after they suspended All-Star Chris Sale for five days on Sunday afternoon. ''Baseball is funny like that,'' Eaton said. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports