Category / Baseball

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#209 – Bill Simas

SoxName: Bill Simas

Rank: 209

Position: P

Years With White Sox: 1995-2000

Bill Simas joined the White Sox organization near the trading deadline in 1995 along with McKay Christensen, Andrew Lorraine, and John Snyder in the deal that sent Jim Abbott and Tim Fortugno to the Angels.  He made his major league debut on August 15, pitching a scoreless inning of relief against those same Angels.  He finished the season with a 2.57 ERA in 14 appearances for a disappointing White Sox squad that finished 8 games under .500.

Simas became a mainstay of the White Sox bullpen starting in 1996, when he appeared in 64 games.  His ERA, however, jumped up to a career high 4.58 in 72.2 inning pitched, also a career high.  He improved in 1997, lowering his to 4.14 in 40 games before minor shoulder surgery ended his season early in August.

Much to his chagrin, Simas started the 1998 season in Triple A to build up his arm strength.  “If spring training had been another week to 10 days, he’d be with us,” general manager Ron Schueler said.  “He’s just not quite ready yet.”  Simas did not see things the same way.  “They say my velocity’s not the same, but does that mean I can’t pitch?” Simas asked.  “I asked that question and they didn’t give me an answer. That’s the way it goes.”  He was back in the big leagues by the end of April, finishing the year with a 3.57 ERA and 18 saves.

1999 was another decent year for the bullpen workhorse.  He appeared in a career high 70 games and put up a 6-3 record with 2 saves.  As the White Sox ran away with the 2000 AL Central title, Simas again was a key part of the bullpen, appearing in 60 games and putting up a 3.46 ERA before being shut down for the final month of the season after suffering elbow pain.  He returned for the ALDS against the Mariners, appearing in 2 of the 3 games.

Following the 2000 season, he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2001 season.  After that season, he was granted free agency, but returned to the White Sox organization on a minor league deal in May of 2002.  After the 2002 season, he again was granted free agency, but he never appeared in the major leagues again.

Simas’ numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:

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by admin

More Looking Forward To Next Year

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles DodgersMajor League Baseball released their tentative 2015 schedule earlier this week and, with little more to be concerned with for this season, let’s take a look at what’s on tap for next summer for the North Siders.

The Cubs open the season at home against the Cardinals on Monday, April 6.  If one were to try and determine when super-phenom Kris Bryant is likely to be called up, the early May road trip to visit the Cardinals and Brewers would seem like a good bet.

This year’s inter-league slate is against the AL Central, with the Royals, Indians, White Sox, and Tigers making trips to Wrigley Field, while the Cubs hit the road to visit the Tigers, Indians, Twins, and White Sox.

The Cubs finish the season on the road against the Reds and Brewers, which would make for a great pennant race should the team be in contention.

by admin

Looking Forward To Next Year

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles DodgersMajor League Baseball released their tentative 2015 schedule earlier this week and, with little more to be concerned with for this season, let’s take a look at what’s on tap for next summer for the South Siders.

The White Sox open the season on the road against the Royals on Monday, April 6.  The home season begins that Friday, when the Twins come to town for a 3 game set.

This year’s inter-league slate is against the NL Central, with the Reds, Pirates, Cubs, and Cardinals making trips to US Cellular Field, while the Sox hit the road to visit the Brewers, Pirates, Cardinals, and Cubs.

The White Sox finish the season at home against the Royals and Tigers, which would make for a great pennant race should the team be in contention.

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#210 – Jerry Owens

Jerry Owens

Name: Jerry Owens

Rank: 210

Position: CF

Years With White Sox: 2006-2009

Jerry Owens joined the White Sox organization in a February 2005 trade that sent Alex Escobar to the Nationals.  Owens earned a September call-up in 2006, making his major league debut on September 11 as a pinch runner in the White Sox victory over the Angels.

With the White Sox floundering in 2007, Owens got an extended look in the big leagues, and he did reasonably well, hitting .267 with 32 stolen bases.  A tear to his abductor muscle forced him to start the 2008 season on the disabled list, and he subsequently spent most of the season back in Triple A, appearing in only 12 games for the big league club.

In 2009, Owens again appeared in only 12 games for the White Sox, this time at the beginning of the season.  However, he only got 1 hit in his 12 at bats and, on May 2, he was released and, to date, he has never returned to the major leagues.

Owens’ numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:

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by admin

#211 – Ken Patterson

kpattersonName: Ken Patterson

Rank: 211

Position: P

Years With White Sox: 1988-1991

Ken Patterson was acquired by the White Sox in the August 1987 trade that sent Jerry Royster to the Yankees.  He made his major league debut on July 8, 1988, his 24th birthday, in a 10-7 White Sox loss to the Red Sox.  He spent 5 days with the White Sox before returning to Vancouver.  When Ricky Horton was traded to the Dodgers in late August, Patterson was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.  All told, he appeared in 9 games for the 88 White Sox, finishing with a 4.79 ERA.

Patterson made the team out of spring training in 1989 when Jack McDowell was sent back to Triple A for more seasoning.  Patterson would join him on May 21st, when he was sent back down after early struggles with the White Sox.  He returned in early June and stuck with the club for the remainder of the year, appearing in 50 games despite an uncanny inability to get left handers out.  Through August 20, the left handed hurler had “limited” left handed hitters to a .303 average.

Patterson returned to the White Sox bullpen in 1990, where he became the long man, a role he did not particularly care for.  “I don’t like it,” he said in the middle of a stretch that saw him pitch once in 16 days.  “I accept it.  But I don`t like it.”  He eventually moved to a left handed specialist role and, as the White Sox closed down Comiskey Park with a surprising 94 win season, he finished the year with a 3.39 ERA in 43 games.

In 1991, Patterson got off to an auspicious start, getting the first mock standing ovation during  the first game at New Comiskey Park after striking out Pete Incaviglia in the fourth inning.  The previous 7 batters he had faced had all reached base safely in a 16-0 thumping at the hands of the Tigers.  Patterson rebounded, however, and put together arguably his best season as a pro.  He went 3-0 with a career low 2.83 ERA in 43 games.

Despite coming off of his best season, Patterson was in a competition to earn a bullpen spot in 1992.  It was not to be, however.  With spring training winding down, Patterson was packaged along with Sammy Sosa and sent across town to the Cubs in exchange for George Bell.

Patterson’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:

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by jim

Our Long Nightmare Is Finally Over

dunnx-wide-communityWhat started with such promise back on December 2, 2010 finally came to an end today as Adam Dunn’s White Sox career came to an end when he was traded to the A’s.  Dunn was supposed to add some left handed power to a White Sox team that was predominately right handed, but wound up disappointing every one associated with the franchise for the last four years.

The White Sox first showed interest in Adam Dunn during the 2009 season, while he was playing for the Washington Nationals.  The speculation of a deal increased when Kenny Williams pulled the trigger on a deal that sent young pitcher Daniel Hudson to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Edwin Jackson, whom the Nationals were reportedly interested in as part of a package for Dunn.  However, Dunn balked at having to play designated hitter and, as the trade deadline passed, no deal was made.

Following the season, Dunn apparently came to terms with playing designated hitter, signing a four year deal worth $56 million with the White Sox.  As the 2011 season got under way, things looked to be off to a great start.  Dunn was hitting .286 with 1 home run, an opening day blast against the Indians, and 5 RBIs when he came down with appendicitis on April 6, a mere four games in to the season.  When he returned, things completely fell apart.

dunn095As the 2011 season went on, things started crumbling for the White Sox.  The relationship between Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen had worsened to the point of no return, and Dunn, their big free agent signing, had completely gone off the rails.  Despite missing time due to his appendicitis, Dunn managed to rack up 100 strikeouts before the end of June.  Continue reading →

by admin

#212 – J.J. Putz

J.J. PutzName: J. J. Putz

Rank: 212

Position: P

Year With White Sox: 2010

J.J. Putz joined the White Sox as a free agent on December 11, 2009.  Following a disappointing year with the Mets, Putz was looking to rebuild his worth.  As part of a rebuilt bullpen, Putz helped the White Sox to a second place finish in the AL Central.  He set a franchise record on July 20 with his 25th consecutive scoreless outing.  He finished the year with a 2.83 ERA in 60 appearances.

Following the year, Putz became a free agent and signed with the Diamondbacks, bringing his White Sox career to an end.

Putz’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:

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by admin

He Gone?

Ken-HarrelsonNews broke this morning that Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, the play by play man for White Sox television broadcasts since 1990, is considering cutting back next year, giving up road games to concentrate on the home schedule.  Harrelson, who turns 73 next week, has a 4 hour commute (one way!) and reportedly would like to spend more time with his grandchildren, who are 10 and 7.

Harrelson is certainly a polarizing figure amongst White Sox fans, where just as many fans love his homer philosophy and corny catchphrases as hate them.  As time has gone by, however, Harrelson’s routine has moved from being a broadcaster who used corny catchphrases to a spewer of corny catchphrases who occasionally broadcasts.  Thanks to the recent Hall of Fame induction of Frank Thomas, we’ve been able to see many clips of Harrelson from the early 90s though the mid 2000s, and the difference between that announcer and the Harrelson we get today is striking.

Sooner or later, the White Sox are going to need to address their broadcast teams.  Even if Harrelson decides to do a full slate next year, he will still turn 74 towards the end of the season.  His partner, Steve Stone, will be 68 by the end of 2015.  Radio play-by-play man Ed Farmer will be 65.  At some point, fresh blood will be needed.

by admin

#213 – Billy Jo Robidoux

bjrName: Billy Jo Robidoux

Rank: 213

Position: 1B

Year With White Sox: 1989

Billy Jo Robidoux signed a minor league deal with the White Sox following the 1988 season and was a non-roster invitee to spring training in 1989.  Despite hitting a robust .143 during Grapefruit League play, he managed to impress manager Jeff Torborg, who decided to add Robidoux to the roster and bring him north with the big league club.  “I like Billy in pinch-hitting roles,” Torborg said.  “He makes contact.”

To say Robidoux squandered his opportunity may be putting it lightly.  He managed just 5 hits and 1 RBI in 39 at bats before being sent down to Triple A on May 7.  He would not return.  Following the season, he was allowed to leave the organization as a free agent.

Robidoux’s numbers in a White Sox uniform were:
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by admin

Wasted Potential

IMG_2096Gordon Beckham’s tenure on the south side came to an end yesterday when he was traded to the Angels for either a player to be named later or cash considerations.  His White Sox career, which started with such great promise, had failed to meet expectations and has consistently struggled to hit consistently since his rookie year in 2009.

Beckham was the 8th pick of the 2008 draft and was rushed through the White Sox system.  He made his major league debut on June 3, 2009, less than a year after being drafted.  He struggled from the get go, going 2 for 28 in his first eight games, but rebounded to put up a .270 average with 14 home runs and 28 doubles while playing third base.

The future looked bright for Beckham entering the 2010 season as he moved over to second base.  Unfortunately, he was unable to duplicate the success he had enjoyed the year before.  Early struggles relegated him to the bottom of the lineup, but he was able to rebound somewhat, getting his average back up to .252.  However, his OPS was down over 100 points from the year before.

2011 and 2012 saw Beckham’s offensive struggles continue.  His average dropped to the .230s during both seasons and his OPS continued to fall.  It seemed that he was finally putting things together in 2013, until he broke the hamate bone in his left wrist, which led to a career low in home runs and RBIs.

This year has been more of the same.  At the time of the trade, his average was a career-low .221, while his paycheck had expanded to $4.5 million.  He likely would have been moved prior to the trading deadline, but his offense cratered in July.  My expectation was that he would be non-tendered this off-season anyway, so hopefully he can do something useful for the Angels and brings back something that will help the White Sox moving forward.

Beckham’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:

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