Results tagged ‘ Gavin Floyd ’
With Three Straight Wins, the Sox are Finding Their Way Through the Fog
Perspective
I had the opportunity earlier today to attend the unveiling of the “White Sox Family Field rooftop” at the downtown Chicago Ronald McDonald House along with Jerry Reinsdorf, Howard Pizer, Christine O’Reilly, Chris Sale, Jesse Crain and Gavin Floyd (it might tell you something about Gavin to hear that he stopped by the ballpark last night and when he heard about the event, asked to attend along with his wife).
This Ronald McDonald House is the largest in the world, featuring 86 rooms, and serves as a home-away-from-home for families and outpatients undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital downtown. The rooftop provides kids with a place to play outside on a small-scale U.S. Cellular Field (heavy on Southpaw graphics).
Visiting with families and kids certainly put a perspective on things, and seeing the year-old facility was awesome. Here are Floyd, Sale and Crain talking with a youngster (top) and a look at the replica field:
Funny Moment
On the elevator ride up to the roof, Jerry Reinsdorf joked with Jesse Crain that we needed to get a two-run lead for the ace reliever to give him a little breathing room.
“Why?” Chris Sale piped in. “What difference would it make. No one scores off him anyway.”
The facility features a very cool kaleidoscopic sculpture that you can make move by cranking a wheel. Sale couldn’t stop and didn’t want to leave the kids. All three players gave their uniform tops to children (so we might need a nifty move by clubhouse manager Vince Fresso by game time!)
As they planned out the event, folks from the House asked the players to help a four-year-old throw out the “first pitch” and then have him “hit” a pitch and run the bases.
They asked Floyd to throw the pitch with the kid. “Me?” Gavin laughed, pointing to the large brace on his arm. “As long as it’s underhand!”
“Don’t have Crain pitch to the kid,” Sale said. “He won’t get a hit.”
Speaking of Jesse
Thanks Danks
Monday, May 6, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: White Sox 2, Royals 1 (11 innnings)
Highlights: Jordan Danks’ long solo homer in the 11th proved to be the game-winner in a very sweet victory…The Sox loaded the bases in the ninth on singles by Jeff Keppinger, Alex Rios and Adam Dunn and with two outs tied the score at 1-1 on an Alexei Ramirez single…After giving up a run in the first inning and throwing 57 pitches through two, Chris Sale settled down and was superb, going 7.1 innings. He gave up just six hits, didn’t allow a walk and struck out five. His pitch count ended up at 119, tying a career high…Matt Lindstrom (0.2), Matt Thornton (1.0), Jesse Crain (1.0) and Addison Reed (1.0) pitched scoreless ball in the final 3.2 innings. Reed got credit for his 11th save.
Surgery for Gavin
Gavin Floyd will undergo season-ending surgery tomorrow in New York City to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his elbow. Expected recovery time for the 30-year-old Floyd is approximately 14-19 months. Surgery will be performed by Dr. David Altchek.
Viciedo Update
Dayan, on the DL with a strained oblique, starts his 4 or 5 game rehab stint tonight with Class AAA Charlotte in Columbus, OH.
Family Field Day
White Sox fans have the opportunity to experience U.S. Cellular Field like the pros on Saturday, May 18 at Family Field Day. Our annual event provides fans the chance to play catch on the outfield grass, warm-up in the bullpens and visit the dugouts. Tickets for the event are $30 per adult and $12 per child with all proceeds benefitting White Sox Charities.
Additionally, we will be holding the Garage Sale in the Patio area from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with free admission. The Garage Sale allows fans to shop for game-worn items including jerseys, game-used equipment, such as bats and gloves, along with other memorabilia. All sales from the Garage Sale benefit White Sox Charities.
Today we had the chance to catch up with long-time White Sox fan and Tinley Park native Shane Mosely. Shane has been attending Family Field Day for the last six years with his wife and son. This year, the couple has a newborn son that will experience U .S. Cellular Field for the first time at Family Field Day.
Upon chatting with Shane, he provided some insight about what drew him to the event and what keeps them coming back.
“Family Field Day is an atmosphere unparalleled by game days or other events” said Shane. “At Family Field Day, you have the opportunity to relax and explore U.S. Cellular Field surrounded by other families that are also passionate Sox fans.”
The event also allows a White Sox fan to experience the field from a player’s perspective, something that even the best seats don’t allow. Shane’s oldest son, now six, loves exploring the field—from the dugouts to the bullpen.
“He pretends to manage the team from the dugout; phone in calls and make base running signs. In the bullpen, he imagines himself warming up as a reliever.”
Family Field Day isn’t only for kids, though. Last year, the Mosley’s brought Shane’s father-in-law who, according to Shane, had more fun than anyone else there.
“He loved playing catch on the grass” said Shane. “He was able to feel like a ballplayer, even at his age”.
Family Field Day has become a tradition for the Mosley’s and part of that tradition means stopping by the Garage Sale to purchase a game-used bat. Each year, they purchase a cracked bat—Shane noted they’re surprisingly affordable—as a memento of their experience.
“We’ve purchased something each year we’ve attended Family Field Day. It’s a perfect way to remember the event.”
Play of the Day
Mr. Danks’ extra-inning blast, which proved to be the difference. It was Jordan’s second career home run and second game-winner. Last season, on August 10 against the A’s, he became the second player in franchise history to hit his first major-league homer on a game-ending blast (Dave Gallagher did it in 1988).
Quote of the Day
Jake Peavy on his health status after missing a start due to back problems:
“I think we’re all on point to go on Wednesday night (against the Mets). I’m super excited about that. Can’t thank our training staff, Herm (Schneider) and A.T. (Allen Thomas), enough–please give them the due respect. A few days ago I didn’t feel good at all…For me to feel the way I did and only to miss one start, I can’t thank them enough getting me back out there…Hopefully we can help turn this thing around and start getting in the win column more often.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mets at Citi Field, New York (6:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-1) for the Sox, Matt Harvey (4-0) for the Mets.
Did You Know…
…that nine of the Sox’s last 24 games against the Royals have gone into extra innings (including the last two)?
Photo of the Day
Hero of the Day!
Santiago Replaces Peavy in Rubber Game of Series
Quote of the Day
A Milestone Homer for Paulie and #SoxSocial Trends on Twitter
Sunday, April 29, 2013
Today’s News
The Game:
The White Sox and Tampa Bay split their four-game series as the Rays came out on top today, 8-3. Paul Konerko smashed a two-run homer in the third inning, his fourth of the season and 426th of his career. PK is now tied with Hall of Famer Billy Williams for 45th on the all-time home run list…Dylan Axelrod had another quality start, giving up three runs and four hits in six innings of work.
#SoxSocial Day
Today was the first #SoxSocial Day and because we trended on Twitter, fans will get: a 20 percent discount at whitesox.com/shop if they use code: CWSTRENDING, a 20 percent discount at Chicago Sports Depot if they present this tweet:
There’s also a special ticket deal for the May 24 game against Miami. Use the promo code: SOCIAL (both online and at the box office). The offer, good through April 29 at 6:00 p.m., CT, is $15 for outfield and bleacher seats (currently $26/$24) and $14 for upper box seats (currently $19).
Gavin to DL; Heath Promoted
Before today’s game, the Sox placed Gavin Floyd on the 15-day DL with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow and Deunte Heath was promoted from Class AAA Charlotte to replace him on the roster. Hector Santiago will replace Floyd in the rotation while Heath will be part of the bullpen mix.
Keppinger Update
According to Robin, Jeff Keppinger, who has missed the past three games with a back issue, should be ready to go on Tuesday in Texas.
Beckham Speaks
Gordon Beckham, on the DL with a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, visited with Hawk and Steve today in the WGN booth during the top of the third inning. Beckham said he feels that he turned the corner last season and has gotten back to where he was in his rookie year. He added that it’s the first time he’s been on the DL, which has been a different experience, and he’s working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible. Gordon also said his job now is to be a good teammate by giving his support on the bench and in the clubhouse.
A Step Closer to Chicago
John Danks will pitch for Class AA Birmingham vs. Chattanooga Thursday on a minor-league rehab assignment.
Spanky Remembers
Another Sunday, another celebration of the 1983 A.L. West Champion Sox. First baseman Mike “Spanky” Squires, a member of that club who wore the Sox uniform for 10 seasons, reminisces about that memorable campaign.
Quote of the Day
Today, Hall of Famer Carlton “Pudge” Fisk, a star on the ’83 Sox, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and expressed how much he enjoys coming back to the ballpark:
“A good part about these Throwback Sundays is remembering the ’83 team with the uniforms and the guys, calling us back. I haven’t seen Thiggy (Bobby Thigpen) for a long time or Harold (Baines) or all these guys. Then once you see them it’s like you’ve been around them all these years. It’s really familiar and very satisfying to come here and be a part of the whole deal.”
Play of the Day
Paulie’s homer. Take a look:
Tomorrow’s Schedule
Off-day. On Tuesday, White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Yu Darvish (4-1) for Texas.
Did You Know…
…that Pudge played longer for the White Sox (13 seasons) than he did for the Boston Red Sox (11 seasons)?
Photo of the Day
No. 426 for Paulie
Sox, Axelrod Take On Tribe
Monday, April 22, 2013
Looking to Rebound
The building is more than impressive, with memorabilia, photos, paintings and history exhibits lining its 17 miles of hallways (we only walked a little over one mile on our tour).
Among the sights: tour guides (our two were from the Navy and Army) who walk backwards the entire way … a salute-free courtyard (“otherwise all everyone would do all day is salute one another,” according to our guide) … a moving memorial to the victims of 9/11 attack on the building and the nation … and a fly-by of the office of Naval Secretary Ron Maybus to say hello. The Secretary – who threw out a first pitch at a White Sox game last year when he was in Chicago to commission the USS Illinois submarine – wasn’t around.
The resounding takeway for me was that while the 9/11 attacks seem, in some ways to be long ago, they are very real at The Pentagon where daily reminders line every hallway, where employees can worship in a chapel near where the plane hit the building, and where a look outside shows a memorial arbor of small trees and sculptures. It was very moving and made you appreciate the cost and sacrifice of the past 12 years.
Of course, like any good tour, we concluded in The Pentagon gift shop where a few challenge coins were purchased and where Head Trainer Herm Schneider then “briefed the media.” (See photo below).
Don’t worry folks, The Pentagon was in good hands. And the other question is, how in the world did these guys get into The Pentagon?)
No Sweep, But Sox Take Series From Royals
Sale Sharp, Short Goes Long (Twice)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Today’s News
Avoiding Sale is a Good Idea for Any Opponent
Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, now with the Rangers, stopped in the visitor’s clubhouse this afternoon in Surprise to say hello to former teammates, coaches and staff. Among his first targets were visiting clubhouse manager Gabe Morell, strength coach Dale Torborg and today’s starting pitcher Chris Sale.
When asked by coach Harold Baines why he wasn’t playing against his former team, Pierzynski said “I have to pack. Plus Sale’s pitching, I don’t want to face that in March.”
A.J.’s teammates undoubtedly wish they hadn’t seen Chris today as the Sox’s Opening Day starter allowed just one hit (a solo home run to Geovany Soto) with no walks and five strikeouts in four innings as the Sox defeated Texas, 11-3, on 18 hits. Sale finished the spring with a perfect 4-0 record and a 3.86 ERA.
Two Decades Later…
Twenty years ago on Opening Day at then-New Comiskey Park, Bo Jackson dramatically returned from hip replacement surgery with a homer in his first at-bat against the Yankees in an 11-6 White Sox victory. He then proceeded to be a significant contributor for the Sox’s 1993 division champions and even hit a three-run homer in the 4-2 win over the Mariners in the division-clinching game in Chicago.
Next Monday during Opening Day fesitivities at U.S. Cellular Field, Bo will have the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Sox and Royals get down to business. Game time is 3:10 p.m., CT.
The Ponce family–Chicago Tonight‘s Phil and his sons Anthony (NBC Chicago) and Dan (WGN-TV and the popular vocal group Straight No Chaser)–will sing the national anthem.
Opening Day Seats No Longer Available
Seats for next Monday’s opener have been sold out. A very limited number of standing-room only tickets to the game are available at the U.S. Cellular Field Ticket Office. Tickets do remain available for the remainder of the homestand (vs. Kansas City and Seattle, April 3-7).
Rios Not Concerned
Alex Rios said tests revealed no structural back issues, just muscular. He said he still feels a little pinch, but is much better today and he anticipates playing in the Milwaukee exhibition games Friday and Saturday and being ready for Opening Day. He stressed several times that there is nothing to worry about and that he’s not concerned.
Roster Moves
The White Sox made the following moves prior to today’s game against the Rangers:
* Placed LHP John Danks on the 15-day disabled list (retro to March 22) to continue his recovery from left shoulder surgery.
* Placed LHP Leyson Septimo on the 15-day disabled list (retro to March 22) with a left shoulder strain.
* Reassigned LHP David Purcey to minor-league camp.
Bring Gifts
Thoughtful pitcher Gavin Floyd certainly brightened the mood in the coaches’ locker room this morning when he popped in the door with a box of a dozen donuts.
No one was hurt in the ensuing melee, and one unnamed bench coach happily ate two Boston Crème-filled donuts.
“Boy, that’s an easy group to buy for,” I said to Gavin as we walked out of the room.
“He’s a Sports Star, But He’s Also Your Friend”
A look at the remarkable impact being made by Sox pitcher Dylan Axelrod:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWnSfkZ95gg
Quote of the Day
Rick Hahn on Jeff Keppinger’s ability to fall out of bed and hit: “As he puts it, his favorite position is the batter’s box.”
Play(s) of the Day
Right fielder Brandon Short had to corral a blown-away umbrella in the third inning of today’s game. The umbrella flew down onto the field from the main concourse, interrupting play before Short grabbed the invader to loud cheers from the crowd. The very next inning, Short got more applause from the Sox fans in the stands when he hit a three-run homer to give the Sox a lead they never relinquished–and in the ninth Angel Sanchez and Short hit back-to-back roundtrippers. Dayan Viciedo hit a three-run shot of his own in the Sox’s five-run sixth.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Indians at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in the Sox’s final Cactus League game of the Spring (2:05 p.m., Chicago time). Matt Zaleski will start for the Sox, Carlos Carrasco for the Tribe.
Did You Know…
…that ESPN’s Sport Science named Jackson, who was a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn and an All-Pro with the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders in addition being an MLB All-Star, the Greatest Athlete of All Time.
Photo of the Day
Brandon Short: What a Day!
Alex Delivers, Alexei Laughs and “Off-Day” Fun on the Golf Course
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Today’s News
Rios to the Rescue
In Wednesday night’s WBC elimination game between Puerto Rico and Italy, Alex Rios was a key factor in PR’s 4-3 win. He singled in the eighth inning and scored the go-ahead run on Sox minor leaguer Andy Gonzalez’s infield single. Let’s hope Alex celebrates like this frequently in 2013.
Alexei’s Passion
Apparently, a certain White Sox shortstop from Cuba has a certain passion for more than just baseball.
Try the canned air horn.
A grinning Alexei Ramirez can often be heard well before he’s seen in camp over the past few days, sneaking up on unsuspecting teammates and startling them with a burst of an air phone.
Then he laughs.
In the shower.
Alexei laughs.
In the clubhouse.
Alexei laughs.
Echoing down the hallway.
Alexei’s laughter following right behind.
Where Can You Find the Sox on an Off-Day?
For many players and coaches, it’s on the golf course. Two White Sox foursomes tackled TPC Scottsdale on the off-day Tuesday. Here manager Robin Ventura lines up a putt, while director of team travel Ed Cassin, an unidentified golfer in a white floppy hat, coach Daryl Boston and caddie look on. “Unidentified” was latter pegged as bench coach Mark Parent. For more off-day action, see Photo(s) of the Day.
Congratulations are in Order
Darius Day (below on the left) and Rahman Williams (right), both Chicago White Sox ACE participants, have verbally committed to play baseball in college. Day, who attends Simeon Career Academy, will be heading to the University of Arizona. Williams, who attends Morgan Park Academy, will attend the University of Michigan. Both will enroll in the fall of 2014.
Quote of the Day
Bobby Thigpen: “You took a photo of me golfing? Worst round of my life.” The photo in question is below.
Play of the Day
Dewayne Wise homered, his second of the spring, Blake Tekotte tripled and drove in two runs and Jordan Danks went 2-2 with an RBI in the Sox’s 12-4 loss to the Angels in Tempe.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Cubs at Camelback Ranch-Glendale (2:05 p.m., Chicago time). Gavin Floyd will start for the Sox while the Cubs starter is TBA.
Did You Know…
…that while the College of Cardinals selected the first Pope Francis, the first Francis to play for the White Sox was Chicagoan Francis (Frank) Roth in 1906 (compliments of @soxnerd on Twitter)
Photo(s) of the Day
Here are bullpen coach Bobby Thigpen (top) and third base coach Joe McEwing on the famous Par 3 at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. Can you hear the roar?
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