Headlines From Glendale

February 24th, 2010 | by Howard |

Spring Training 2010 is just barely underway, but there’s still plenty of action coming out of Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ. The White Sox have a new look this year and, from everything I can gather, a much better attitude walking into this season. We all know that Ozzie Guillen and Kenny Williams are excited about the new make-up of the team, and it seems that the players are buying into it as well. They’re coming into camp happy, healthy and anxious to get underway. Let’s take a look at some of the Sox headlines that I’m enjoying…

Sox Offense Now Features Speed and Versatility Over Power — Daily Herald

Beat writer Scott Gregor does a nice job covering the Sox make-over this offseason with some insights from hitting coach Greg Walker. For those that have been still crying for Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye, this article is perfect for you as it discusses the frustartions that come from an all-or-nothing offense. The Sox hit a league low .258 last season with only 724 runs scored, third to last in the majors. Walker discusses having a more versatile lineup and seems pleasantly relieved to not be relying solely on the long ball. My take? You know I love the new look and eventually, those of you that don’t will soon understand.

Jones Will Determine Where He Fits In — Daily Herald

The title definitely doesn’t suit the article, but after reading, I understand where Gregor was going with it. All eyes are on Andruw Jones this year. People seem to have finally stopped focusing on his decline over the last 3 seasons are are now focusing on what he can bring to the table today. He arrived early to camp, seems determined enough and is apparently in the best shape he’s been in for years. He is locked in to DH against lefties, and can play into more time for himself with a strong start. Look for Ozzie Guillen, one of Jones’ biggest fans, to give him some extra opportunities early if his hitting is up to par. I’m all for giving the guy the opportunity. No one can say, with any certainty, why the decline occurred, so a rebound could be just as sudden. I’ve always been a fan of the way this team is structured and Jones is a great low risk/potentially high reward offseason addition.

So it’s not another article, but I’d like to interrupt for a few moments with a quick look at Carlos Quentin in the batting cage as he, too, showed up early for camp. It may not be the most exciting, but just hearing the crack of the bat gives me the shivers! To give credit where credit is due, I found this on another White Sox blog, SouthSideSox.com.

The Center of the White Sox Storm — Chicago Sun-Times

OK, so here’s where I’m still on the fence. You think Guillen loves Jones? Well check out this article because if he loves Jones, then there could be something unhealthy about his admiration for the other half of his DH platoon, Mark Kotsay. Guillen apparently ran to Williams’ office to get Kotsay re-signed this offseason. Ran. I know, I’m nervous too. For me, there’s a reason that the oft-injured Kotsay is such a “well-travelled” ballplayer, and I don’t think it’s because there’s such a high demand for his services. Still, I tell you to trust the process, so I will too. Atleast until Kotsay’s first trip to the DL in May.

Peavy Concedes Opening Day Start to Buehrle — Chicago Sun-Times

After you. No, after you. Please, after you. No, no, I insist…after you. That’s probably how it sounded when Guillen first sat Jake Peavy and Mark Buehrle down to discuss the Sox Opening Day starter. On one hand you’ve got Buehrle who has been the anchor of the Sox rotation for years, has 2 no-hitters, a perfect game, and would capture the franchise record with his 8th Opening Day start. But then you’ve got Peavy, who, for years, has been one of the top pitchers in baseball, was a huge acquisition last year, and is slated as the team’s #1 starter. Neither guy thinks that they deserve the nod and I love the humility. Buehrle says Peavy’s one of the best and Peavy says it’s Buehrle’s team. I’m loving the clubhouse chemistry already!

Jenks Gets Life, Weight Under Control — Chicago Tribune

We all saw it at SoxFest 2010 when Bobby Jenks walked in 20 pounds lighter this year. Now we’re learnign that not only was it a dietary change, but that he quit drinking as well…cold turkey. To me, and I can speak from experience, there’s nothing more admirable than a guy acknowledging his problem and then being pro-active about it. When you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, I’ve got two options — check myself into a program or man-up and just stop drinking, and then follow through with either, then you’ve got my respect. Hopefully this life-changing move will translate to the field. Regardless, I give a lot of props to Jenks for this.

That’s it for now, Sox fans. The players are filing in, Spring Training is underway, and we’ve got a whole new lease on life….well, the season, really. I feel like a little kid just waiting for the season to start. Nothing better than baseball!

Rating: 10.0/10 (2 votes cast)

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