Kuzul

Wind the clocks back five years

 The White Sox team that went coast-to-coast in first place were truly a complete team that had it all. In June of that season Bobby Jenks stepped up to become the man that Ozzie Guillen went to in the 9th after injuries hampered Dustin Hermanson. Ozzie did have some other options at the time with Cliff Politte and Damaso Marte as options.

However, Jenks with his 98 MPH fastball proved that he had what it took to get the done. Five months after becoming the closer for the Sox, Jenks was the man on the mound when the White Sox captured the World Championship in Houston.

Now in 2010 the White Sox are trying to simply win their division, and overcome the ever-present Minnesota Twins. For most of the season the team’s strength was a bullpen that any manager would feel confident turning to in the latter innings. But, as of late the team has run into issue in this department, as the most glaring concern is the closer role.

Looking at the team’s poised to make the postseason it becomes apparent that closer is a linking commonality that these teams share.

New York Yankees- Mariano Rivera

Tampa Bay Rays- Rafael Soriano

Minnesota Twins- Matt Capps

Texas Rangers- Neftali Perez

Atlanta Braves- Billy Wagner

Philadelphia Phillies- Brad Lidge

Cincinnati Reds- Francisco Cordero

St. Louis Cardinals- Ryan Franklin

San Diego Padres- Heath Bell

 Chicago White Sox-  ?

By no means does is closer situation the only area that holds the White Sox season in the balance, but it defintely is one of the more important ones as we approach September.

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Ozzie Guillen was candid after last night’s loss to the Seattle Mariners, with Bobby Jenks allowing two ER on three hits over just 0.1 innings.

In a quote from the Chicago Tribune (click here for the article), Guillen said. ”Our options are open now.”  He also went on to say that “I get paid to win games. That’s my job, win games. And I’m going to put the guys there with the best shot.”

Jenks has allowed runs in three of his last four outings, taking a pair of losses in the process. He currently has a 5.09 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. Compare that to a pair of other options in the White Sox bullpen:

• Matt Thornton – 2.58 ERA & 1.04 WHIP with 15 consecutive scoreless outings
• J.J. Putz – 1.50 ERA & 0.78 WHIP with 25 consecutive scoreless innings

Additionally, Guillen has said that Sergio Santos (1.80 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) could be in the mix.

Don’t forget that earlier in the season the White Sox took a similar stance, but Jenks ultimately remained the team’s closer. There’s a good chance that he ultimately regains his role, after just a few outings in the seventh or eighth.

For now, I would likely look towards Thornton to get the first shot at closing games out, but if you are a Jenks owner don’t give up hope yet.  Sooner or later, he’s likely to be returned to the closer’s role.

What are your thoughts on this news? Who do you think will get the first shot to close?  Will Jenks ultimately be returned to the role?

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After a long 14-year drought, the National League finally beat the American League in the All-Star Game, 3-1. The hero of the game for the NL was Brian McCann, who hit a bases-clearing double in the 7th inning.

Now that the NL can finally relax knowing they can actually win this game, it is now time to look at next year to see what they can improve upon, and see what they need to do to win again.

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With half of the Crosstown Classic played, it is almost as traditional to pick the best of the two clubs as to play the series.

To the disdain of the North and South sides of Chicago, both the Cubs and White Sox are less than stellar this year, combining for a record of 56-69 before action on Tuesday. Despite the lack of pizazz in this year’s series and the addition of the BP Cup, fans still come out in droves to watch.

The basics determine who gets the nod at each position (hitting, defense, etc.), but looking at how a certain player is performing may get him the nod over a player with better statistics.

This is the list, for better or for worst…

Reminder: All stats are from before play on Tuesday.

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