In John Danks' four starts this season, the Sox have scored a toal of 7 runs. The kid has been lights out his last two starts, but he's getting no support. Why can't the Sox hit? Ozzie wants to know. Help him.
Posted by Roman Modrowski on May 3, 2007 09:11 AM|Permalink
Comments
This happened to Vasquez last year also. It is what it is. I am fine with it. All a starter needs to do on a winning team is give them a chance to win and that is what Danks has done. In Whitesox management's eyes those are quality outings, and thats all that matters. Its a great sign.
The team has thoroughly been giving him the shaft both on offense and defense. He's been better than we all thought he would be as a rookie #5 starter. Don't point to his ERA and record, that means nothing if you've seen him pitch - he'd probably be in the low 4s for ERA if Uribe hadn't blown that play against Detroit (I think) and even Johan Santana can't win games with the amount of run support Danks has been getting, which is virtually none. Danks is only going to get better as he pitches.
The Sox hitters on the other hand... Jesus. Who knows. Granted they are hurting bad without Pods and Thome, but come on, they have to be able to hit at least SOMETIMES. Think about this, in 2006 Brian Anderson's average was higher than what the team is batting right now for the year. And this is supposed to be one of the most potent offenses in the majors. It's irritating.
Danks is pitching great for a rookie. In a season filled with lots of negatives so far, he's been a big positive. The team hasn't been hitting all year, so I don't think it's just Danks that hasn't been getting support. I do like that Anderson is in the minors now. As much as we'll miss his defense, I think it's best for the team right now. We need someone who can provide some offense, and Anderson hopefully will get back on track in the minors.
I don't think anyone knows why the Sox can't hit. It's just as baffling as why the Sox couldn't pitch last year. For whatever reason, 98% of baseball players are inconsistent from month to month and year to year. It's just unfortunate when a team finds its whole offense playing terribly at the same time. The silver lining is that the Sox's pitching seems pretty good this year, and if the offense ever comes around, which I think it will (but will it be too late?), then the Sox could be a very dangerous ballclub. Another concern is whether the pitching will stay strong all year. Could the pitching collapse in the 2nd half like last year when the hitting heats up? If that happens then the Sox will be lucky to win 80 games.
I do not know why this happens to some picthers, just luck of the straw. Right now, lets hope Dank simply keep pitching the way he is doing, doesn't get down and the runs will eventually come in the future, especially when the temperature warms up. It is maddening, makes it seem when the team is not hitting a pitcher has to throw a flawless game almost.
Too many good bats on the team for this to go on much longer. They may be pressing more with the passing of each game. Patience and time (hopefully sooner than later) will put them in a nice little streak. The silver lining here may be Danks' learning process. Good pitchers on teams with low run support (A.K.A Houstons staff) tend to focus totally, knowing they need to keep the score down to stay in the game. Danks, with the exception of two bad innings the whole year, has been tremendous. I just hope when they start scoring, the concentration remains intact.
Danks & entire starting staff have to just about throw a no hitter to insure a win! Danks certainly is getting the least support of a offensive offense.Haven't seen a entire team slump so bad .Walker doesn't have any clues & it is showing.Now the defense is following the inept offensive play. Erstad can't catch a routine fly & Iguchi at second with his alligator arms. Not good! Sox need a wake up call before it is too late. Too many games that should be W's are being wasted by no support of offense.Wake up call would be more player demotions & probably Walker walking!
The missing starters (Thome, Podsednik & Uribe) SHOULD NOT keep the remaining
starters (and key reserves) from playing the game and getting base hits and
runs.
This team, the White Sox, looked lethargic and disinterested in spring training, but those managing and otherwise in control of the team dis-
counted it as "it's just spring training; wait until the season starts".
However, the team also looked lethargic and somewhat disinterested in
spring training '06 and in the 2006 season.
I attribute this lethargic, disinterested behavior to be a hangover of
of the 2005 championship season. In short, players expect wins to come
as easily as they did during the playoffs when it was almost like being
an automatic event.
My cure for turning this season around and getting on a winning tack
does not involve more batting practice and practicing fielding and
base running fundamentals. I would retain the services of a very
well-regarded sports psychologist and turn him or her loose on the
starting position players, followed by the reserves. So that the pitchers,
who are doing a very good job, don't feel left out, the psychologist could
finish up with them.
However, should management reject this approach for any reason, my fall-back
position would be to send down to AAA or AA all players, starters and
reserves, who are not batting at least .250, and take their places with
players from AAA Charlotte and AA Birmingham. My belief here is that any
players who are not hitting major league pitching at this time need to
be temporarily relegated to the minors, to let them try to hit minor
league pitching, and to have the minor leaguers get a chance to play in
a major league park. If the minor leaguers don't play better than the
replaced major leaguers, then Reinsdorf can cut ticket prices to match
Charlotte and Birmingham ticket prices. This "experiment" should run from
2 weeks to 1 month. If the major leaguers haven't turned it around in
1 month, then Reinsdorf and Williams better have a "White Flag Sale", so
that they can restock the major league franchise with talented, hungry,
young players, ala the Cleveland Indians.
My view is the players are playing the same way Williams approached putting the team together in the off season. That is, don't expect any winning season this year, but maybe in the future a few years. Most fans could see the writing on the wall before the season started with no free agents added to help the club and the trade of the 4 and 5 pitcher.
The team probably knows that many of them will be traded before the season ends too. So no need to get overly upset about lethargic or uninspired play, just go through the motions until the other shoe falls and williams starts dumping salaries and players on their free agent years and maybe a few others to boot.
Williams is already looking 3 or 4 years down the road, this year is supposed to still be after glow from winning 2 years ago.
Besides, everyone is focusing on the lack of hitting, but a bigger impending problem is the starting pitching isn't lasting for many innings per start. This leads to overworking the bullpen, which leads to late season meltdowns. If the starters don't start racking up some innings williams will be dealing sooner rather than later. Danks is doing ok but could be better, Garland is leading club in innings pitched.
My view is the players are playing the same way Williams approached putting the team together in the off season. That is, don't expect any winning season this year, but maybe in the future a few years. Most fans could see the writing on the wall before the season started with no free agents added to help the club and the trade of the 4 and 5 pitcher.
The team probably knows that many of them will be traded before the season ends too. So no need to get overly upset about lethargic or uninspired play, just go through the motions until the other shoe falls and williams starts dumping salaries and players on their free agent years and maybe a few others to boot.
Williams is already looking 3 or 4 years down the road, this year is supposed to still be after glow from winning 2 years ago.
Besides, everyone is focusing on the lack of hitting, but a bigger impending problem is the starting pitching isn't lasting for many innings per start. This leads to overworking the bullpen, which leads to late season meltdowns. If the starters don't start racking up some innings williams will be dealing sooner rather than later. Danks is doing ok but could be better, Garland is leading club in innings pitched.
Wendall, I sincerely hope your post was intended to be a joke, because if it was, it was actually pretty hilarious. If not, I honestly wouldn't even know where to start.
I don't care if you're Sandy Koufax with Nolan Ryan's fastball, with the Sox's run support they're going to have records below .500. And don't just look at his ERA and say "wow he sucks." Watch him pitch. He has the occasional bad inning which is to be expected, but he's got the tools. Really.
I think it still goes back to Spring training. Winning games leads to a positive attitude. Play in the Spring to win and it carries over. Not enough bats for the regulars in Spring training. I sound like a broken record but look at their record so far. I felt real uncomfortable after Spring training.
Danks was great last night. It was a great win against those pesky Twinkies. That Torii Hunter Catch...breathtaking. Danks is better than Vasqez. All of this is good news because the Sox will start to hit, just like the sun eventually came out in Chicago after a long winter. We have a steady rotation anchored by Contreras, Buerle, Garland and rounded out with Danks and Vasquez. We will be fine and in the thick of the Central race. Ozzie is as steady as they come. I have faith in him and the team. This is a solid organization from top to bottom; Owner, GM, Manager, Line-up (Defense Offense), Starters, Bullpen, Closers. We have what it takes to go all the way and as a hard core fan, that is all that you can ask for. Win or lose this year, I am "all in" with the Whitesox.
The main problem with the struggling hitters is they aren't patient enough to wait for a good pitch to hit. That's was Ted Williams #1 rule and he invariably always got to 2 strikes before he would swing at a breaking ball. On the other hand, we have about 6 guys that are so afraid of striking out that they'll swing at anything to put the ball into play. This was exactly what Brian Anderson did last year and it was painful. The other obvious fault is most of these guys don't try to go to the opposite field enough. Ozuna does and gets good results. AJ, Konerko and Iguchi all have good power the opposite way but they are looking to yank everything incuding breaking balls away which end up being dribblers. I don't know what Walker teaches but if each guy would concentrate on those two keys you'd see better results.
Comments
This happened to Vasquez last year also. It is what it is. I am fine with it. All a starter needs to do on a winning team is give them a chance to win and that is what Danks has done. In Whitesox management's eyes those are quality outings, and thats all that matters. Its a great sign.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 3, 2007 11:28 AM
The team has thoroughly been giving him the shaft both on offense and defense. He's been better than we all thought he would be as a rookie #5 starter. Don't point to his ERA and record, that means nothing if you've seen him pitch - he'd probably be in the low 4s for ERA if Uribe hadn't blown that play against Detroit (I think) and even Johan Santana can't win games with the amount of run support Danks has been getting, which is virtually none. Danks is only going to get better as he pitches.
The Sox hitters on the other hand... Jesus. Who knows. Granted they are hurting bad without Pods and Thome, but come on, they have to be able to hit at least SOMETIMES. Think about this, in 2006 Brian Anderson's average was higher than what the team is batting right now for the year. And this is supposed to be one of the most potent offenses in the majors. It's irritating.
Posted by: Keith Sowa | May 3, 2007 11:46 AM
Danks is pitching great for a rookie. In a season filled with lots of negatives so far, he's been a big positive. The team hasn't been hitting all year, so I don't think it's just Danks that hasn't been getting support. I do like that Anderson is in the minors now. As much as we'll miss his defense, I think it's best for the team right now. We need someone who can provide some offense, and Anderson hopefully will get back on track in the minors.
I don't think anyone knows why the Sox can't hit. It's just as baffling as why the Sox couldn't pitch last year. For whatever reason, 98% of baseball players are inconsistent from month to month and year to year. It's just unfortunate when a team finds its whole offense playing terribly at the same time. The silver lining is that the Sox's pitching seems pretty good this year, and if the offense ever comes around, which I think it will (but will it be too late?), then the Sox could be a very dangerous ballclub. Another concern is whether the pitching will stay strong all year. Could the pitching collapse in the 2nd half like last year when the hitting heats up? If that happens then the Sox will be lucky to win 80 games.
Posted by: Drew | May 3, 2007 12:24 PM
I do not know why this happens to some picthers, just luck of the straw. Right now, lets hope Dank simply keep pitching the way he is doing, doesn't get down and the runs will eventually come in the future, especially when the temperature warms up. It is maddening, makes it seem when the team is not hitting a pitcher has to throw a flawless game almost.
Go Sox, Go Sox!!!
Posted by: Douglas | May 3, 2007 12:49 PM
John, just keep pitching the way you are. Sooner or later, that offense has to wake up.
Posted by: John | May 3, 2007 01:27 PM
Too many good bats on the team for this to go on much longer. They may be pressing more with the passing of each game. Patience and time (hopefully sooner than later) will put them in a nice little streak. The silver lining here may be Danks' learning process. Good pitchers on teams with low run support (A.K.A Houstons staff) tend to focus totally, knowing they need to keep the score down to stay in the game. Danks, with the exception of two bad innings the whole year, has been tremendous. I just hope when they start scoring, the concentration remains intact.
Posted by: Anthony Navarro | May 4, 2007 06:55 AM
Danks & entire starting staff have to just about throw a no hitter to insure a win! Danks certainly is getting the least support of a offensive offense.Haven't seen a entire team slump so bad .Walker doesn't have any clues & it is showing.Now the defense is following the inept offensive play. Erstad can't catch a routine fly & Iguchi at second with his alligator arms. Not good! Sox need a wake up call before it is too late. Too many games that should be W's are being wasted by no support of offense.Wake up call would be more player demotions & probably Walker walking!
Posted by: Joe H | May 5, 2007 01:50 AM
The missing starters (Thome, Podsednik & Uribe) SHOULD NOT keep the remaining
starters (and key reserves) from playing the game and getting base hits and
runs.
This team, the White Sox, looked lethargic and disinterested in spring training, but those managing and otherwise in control of the team dis-
counted it as "it's just spring training; wait until the season starts".
However, the team also looked lethargic and somewhat disinterested in
spring training '06 and in the 2006 season.
I attribute this lethargic, disinterested behavior to be a hangover of
of the 2005 championship season. In short, players expect wins to come
as easily as they did during the playoffs when it was almost like being
an automatic event.
My cure for turning this season around and getting on a winning tack
does not involve more batting practice and practicing fielding and
base running fundamentals. I would retain the services of a very
well-regarded sports psychologist and turn him or her loose on the
starting position players, followed by the reserves. So that the pitchers,
who are doing a very good job, don't feel left out, the psychologist could
finish up with them.
However, should management reject this approach for any reason, my fall-back
position would be to send down to AAA or AA all players, starters and
reserves, who are not batting at least .250, and take their places with
players from AAA Charlotte and AA Birmingham. My belief here is that any
players who are not hitting major league pitching at this time need to
be temporarily relegated to the minors, to let them try to hit minor
league pitching, and to have the minor leaguers get a chance to play in
a major league park. If the minor leaguers don't play better than the
replaced major leaguers, then Reinsdorf can cut ticket prices to match
Charlotte and Birmingham ticket prices. This "experiment" should run from
2 weeks to 1 month. If the major leaguers haven't turned it around in
1 month, then Reinsdorf and Williams better have a "White Flag Sale", so
that they can restock the major league franchise with talented, hungry,
young players, ala the Cleveland Indians.
Posted by: Wendall Salton | May 5, 2007 11:26 AM
My view is the players are playing the same way Williams approached putting the team together in the off season. That is, don't expect any winning season this year, but maybe in the future a few years. Most fans could see the writing on the wall before the season started with no free agents added to help the club and the trade of the 4 and 5 pitcher.
The team probably knows that many of them will be traded before the season ends too. So no need to get overly upset about lethargic or uninspired play, just go through the motions until the other shoe falls and williams starts dumping salaries and players on their free agent years and maybe a few others to boot.
Williams is already looking 3 or 4 years down the road, this year is supposed to still be after glow from winning 2 years ago.
Besides, everyone is focusing on the lack of hitting, but a bigger impending problem is the starting pitching isn't lasting for many innings per start. This leads to overworking the bullpen, which leads to late season meltdowns. If the starters don't start racking up some innings williams will be dealing sooner rather than later. Danks is doing ok but could be better, Garland is leading club in innings pitched.
Posted by: earl | May 6, 2007 11:41 AM
My view is the players are playing the same way Williams approached putting the team together in the off season. That is, don't expect any winning season this year, but maybe in the future a few years. Most fans could see the writing on the wall before the season started with no free agents added to help the club and the trade of the 4 and 5 pitcher.
The team probably knows that many of them will be traded before the season ends too. So no need to get overly upset about lethargic or uninspired play, just go through the motions until the other shoe falls and williams starts dumping salaries and players on their free agent years and maybe a few others to boot.
Williams is already looking 3 or 4 years down the road, this year is supposed to still be after glow from winning 2 years ago.
Besides, everyone is focusing on the lack of hitting, but a bigger impending problem is the starting pitching isn't lasting for many innings per start. This leads to overworking the bullpen, which leads to late season meltdowns. If the starters don't start racking up some innings williams will be dealing sooner rather than later. Danks is doing ok but could be better, Garland is leading club in innings pitched.
Posted by: earl | May 6, 2007 11:43 AM
Wendall, I sincerely hope your post was intended to be a joke, because if it was, it was actually pretty hilarious. If not, I honestly wouldn't even know where to start.
Posted by: Keith Sowa | May 7, 2007 12:37 AM
Danks as a 5+ ERA, run support is a excuse, some of my Sox friends are starting to sound like Cub fans.
Posted by: Stev Blasser | May 7, 2007 02:05 PM
I don't care if you're Sandy Koufax with Nolan Ryan's fastball, with the Sox's run support they're going to have records below .500. And don't just look at his ERA and say "wow he sucks." Watch him pitch. He has the occasional bad inning which is to be expected, but he's got the tools. Really.
Posted by: Keith Sowa | May 7, 2007 08:01 PM
I think it still goes back to Spring training. Winning games leads to a positive attitude. Play in the Spring to win and it carries over. Not enough bats for the regulars in Spring training. I sound like a broken record but look at their record so far. I felt real uncomfortable after Spring training.
Frankly for the Sox
Posted by: frankly for the Sox | May 9, 2007 07:45 PM
Danks was great last night. It was a great win against those pesky Twinkies. That Torii Hunter Catch...breathtaking. Danks is better than Vasqez. All of this is good news because the Sox will start to hit, just like the sun eventually came out in Chicago after a long winter. We have a steady rotation anchored by Contreras, Buerle, Garland and rounded out with Danks and Vasquez. We will be fine and in the thick of the Central race. Ozzie is as steady as they come. I have faith in him and the team. This is a solid organization from top to bottom; Owner, GM, Manager, Line-up (Defense Offense), Starters, Bullpen, Closers. We have what it takes to go all the way and as a hard core fan, that is all that you can ask for. Win or lose this year, I am "all in" with the Whitesox.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 10, 2007 08:55 AM
The main problem with the struggling hitters is they aren't patient enough to wait for a good pitch to hit. That's was Ted Williams #1 rule and he invariably always got to 2 strikes before he would swing at a breaking ball. On the other hand, we have about 6 guys that are so afraid of striking out that they'll swing at anything to put the ball into play. This was exactly what Brian Anderson did last year and it was painful. The other obvious fault is most of these guys don't try to go to the opposite field enough. Ozuna does and gets good results. AJ, Konerko and Iguchi all have good power the opposite way but they are looking to yank everything incuding breaking balls away which end up being dribblers. I don't know what Walker teaches but if each guy would concentrate on those two keys you'd see better results.
Posted by: Duck | May 16, 2007 12:35 PM