Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Ornaments - Chicago White Sox Christmas Decorative Ornaments

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Chicago White Sox Christmas 3D Ornament



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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Chicago White Sox Christmas Gifts

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Chicago White Sox Rooftop Santa Ornament



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Chicago White Sox Santa's Friend



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Chicago White Sox Welcome Home Santa



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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Chicago White Sox Merchandise

Chicago White Sox MerchandiseChicago White Sox merchandise items such as jerseys, watches and décor items are all the rage. Most baseball fans have their own collection of unique merchandise or at least a dozen or more collectibles lying around their home. If you are a newbie or a professional collector looking for Chicago White Sox merchandise without paying through your nose, here’s how to do it in the easiest manner ever!

Chicago White Sox jerseys

Jerseys are cool items that fans buy either for wearing on game days or for adding to their collection. Chicago White Sox jerseys are must-haves for any fan. It’s the first step towards attaining your goal of becoming an ultimate, die-hard White Sox fan. There are many types of jerseys available online such as authentic jerseys, replica jerseys, home jerseys, road jerseys and alternate jerseys. Collect all types of authentic or replica jerseys depending on your budget. Replica jerseys come for less than authentic jerseys, a good option for people with a tight budget.

Chicago White Sox home and office decor

Chicago White Sox home and office decorDon’t just satisfy your appetite with jerseys as there are thousands of other items online worth your attention. Attain ‘numero uno’ fan status with Chicago White Sox home and office décor. The colors, decals and logos of your favorite team is emblazoned over items across you home, will have neighbors, friends and colleagues coming to visit you for no reason at all.

The Window Light Up Player is the coolest décor item you can get for your home followed by the White Sox Mailbox Cover and Flag Kit, and the White Sox Video Chair. Some essential items for your office, which have been purchased by other die-hard fans like you, are the White Sox Art Glass Banker’s Lamp and the White Sox Portrait Picture Frame.

Chicago White Sox outdoor and tailgating

Chicago White Sox outdoor and tailgating

A tailgating mat, barbeque accessories, flasks and mugs are some of the items that are a must for a tailgating or barbeque party. If you want to add glitz to these parties, get Chicago White Sox outdoor and tailgating items. Die-hard fans just can’t not have these cool items if they want to throw a tailgating party!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Chicago White Sox merchandise

Chicago White Sox merchandiseAre you tired of flaky stores that promise you stylish and unique Chicago White Sox accessories? Are you looking for cool jewelry and gift items for yourself and your girlfriend? Well, you can do this and much more online with amazing deals and offers and surprisingly low prices.

Chicago White Sox jewelry

Chicago White Sox jewelryThe wide range of Chicago White Sox jewelry available online will leave you dazzled. Be ready to get lots of attention when you wear cool and unique pendants and bracelets with the distinct impression of the Chicago White Sox logo. All the fans and your friends will badger you with lots of compliments and questions. Enjoy all the attention and get to super fan status without much ado. Get Chicago White Sox jewelry for women and present it to your loved ones, a sure shot way to impress.

The White Sox Heart Watch and the White Sox Logo Script Necklace are two items for women that have made their way into lots of people’s shopping carts followed by White Sox Border Rings and the White Sox Ws Champ Coach Watch for men.

Chicago White Sox accessories

Chicago White Sox accessoriesMost die-hard fans look for accessories with their favorite team’s logo. Some unique Chicago White Sox accessories are the White Sox Team Designed Key Ring, White Sox Bottle Opener Tailgater Belt Buckle and the White Sox Programmable Light-up Pen. If you’re looking for novelty items, there are a variety of options online. Take the White Sox Programmable Light-up Pen for instance: this novelty pen comes to you in the official Chicago White Sox colors and on the top of the pen is a miniature Sox helmet, which is adorned with the authentic logo and fitted with a light. LED technology helps you to put any message in you want, which will be displayed on the light up screen within the football helmet.

Chicago White Sox gifts

Chicago White Sox giftsDo you want eye-popping gifts that will leave the receiver of the gift astounded and happy for many years? From father to son, all generations will fall in love with cool Chicago White Sox gifts. Find photo mints, gold dirt coins, Santa stockings, Halloween buckets, tankard sets, ties and much more online with the Chicago White Sox logo emblazoned over them.

Chicago White Sox Headwear

Buy Chicago White Sox Headwear Online at DieHardFans.com

Chicago White Sox Authentic Collection On-Field 59fifty Game Cap



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Friday, October 23, 2009

Giving your home a makeover with Chicago White Sox Home Decor, Chicago White Sox Furniture, and Chicago White Sox Garden Accessories

Chicago White Sox MerchandiseOne of the most fun and rewarding things to do is to give your home a makeover. If you are a Die Hard Major League baseball fan, you can proceed with the makeover you’ve been planning with the aid of some items from the Chicago White Sox Merchandise store. There is Chicago White Sox Home Decor for every corner of your home. There is Chicago White Sox Furniture for your seating pleasure. And there is also a range of Chicago White Sox Garden Accessories to include your garden into the big makeover. Whatever part of your home you plan to improve, there’s Chicago White Merchandise that’s perfect for it.

The Chicago White Sox Home Decor, for example, have a good selection of items you can place on the wall top of the mantel, on the center table, bedside tables and even on the floor. There’s a White Sox art glass clock on the wall of your living room or near the breakfast table so you’ll be able to avoid being late for the office or the game. There are also photo frames with the White Sox logo to display your family’s photos. In the kitchen and bathroom, you will also have use for White Sox wall hooks for your utensils or towels. These Chicago White Sox Home Decor are all beautiful while being functional.

Chicago White Sox Home DecorChicago White Sox Furniture

Are you thinking of changing your living room set? Then, you’ll do well by choosing Chicago White Sox Furniture. The White Sox classic sofa, pub sofa, recliners, ottomans and even rockers make for quite a cozy and interesting living room. Throw in a White Sox bean bag and your floor will be as comfortable. Your house would definitely be the gang’s designated game night venue. Chicago White Sox furniture all bear the team’s logo in Decal or embroidered applique.

There’s no doubt you can beautify your garden, as well, with the help of Chicago White Sox Garden Accessories. A White Sox Die Hard fan will never think it’s too much to dress up his garden the White Sox way. That is why there are mini flags, yard pennants, yard signs and animated lawn figures available at the Chicago White Sox Garden Accessories.

Check out the Chicago White Sox Merchandise store for these items.

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Chicago White Sox Team Shop brings in the bling, some extra special Chicago White Sox Gifts and really useful products for everyone

Whether you are giving yourself or a friend a present, chances are you’ll find one at the Chicago White Sox Team Shop quite easily. There are Chicago White Sox Accessories for little functional things you’ll either wear or take with you wherever you go, making life more convenient for you. There is also Chicago White Sox Jewelry if you need some White Sox bling or a timepiece. There are Chicago White Sox Gifts which I would most definitely love to have if I were buying them for myself.

The Chicago White Sox Accessories are really quite useful। Take for example the Logo Bottle Opener Key Ring. Besides having the White Sox logo on it, it can open your bottles and keep all your keys, too. The Logo Money Clip is one item from the Chicago White Sox Team Shop that combines convenience and style. When you use it, you won’t need to take your bulky wallet out on game day or any day. Made from durable nickel, this is one item from the Chicago White Sox Accessories that will last a long time. And back to talking about style, nothing could make your team loyalty clearer than wearing a White Sox tie. Buy Chicago White Sox Merchandise at our MLB Shop.


All the designs are handsome and guaranteed to make you feel proud at the same time। Visit the Chicago White Sox Team Shop to choose your design.Now, let’s talk jewelry. If bling is what you’re looking for in the Chicago White Sox Team Shop, the selection of Chicago White Sox Jewelry and timepieces will not disappoint you. The “I Heart Sox” Enameled Pendants would surely be one of the ones you’ll notice. The rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and timepieces from the selection would make a great match with your wardrobe, whether it’s business or casual.

When it comes to gift-giving, Chicago White Sox Gifts are just the perfect items for the most loyal of White Sox fans. There are limited edition commemorative coins and photo mints that are special and rare – they will cost quite an investment if they are to be sold a couple of decades from now.

The Chicago White Sox Team Shop is definitely the place to go to for these wonderful sports merchandise.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Chicago White Sox Jewelry, Home Decor and Gift Items Now Available in Online Merchandise Store

One of the American League’s eight charter franchises, the Chicago White Sox are the current champions of the 2008 A.L. Central Division. The team is also not a newbie when it comes to championships as they are already owners of three World Series titles, most recently in 2005. They are one of 2 teams in the league based in Chicago.

Limited Edition Chicago White Sox Memorabilia Make Extraordinary Gifts

There are many logo items in the Chicago White Sox online merchandise store that one can give as gifts. However, the most special ones are commemorative coins and framed collectibles that are a limited edition.

The most loyal of fans, especially those who have been around for several decades, will be eager to own the Joe Jackson Legends Photo Mint. Joe Jackson is one of the important names in American baseball. He is shown shoeless while getting ready to hit the ball in the photo mint. In 1908, while Jackson was playing a game, he was wearing a new pair of spikes which he claimed were hurting his feet. He took them off and played in his socks. This gave him the nick Shoeless Joe. Together with the photo in the framed collectible are a Chicago White Sox commemorative coin and a Major League Baseball logo. This timeless memorabilia is a very limited edition of only 1,919.

Die Hard supporters of the Chicago White Sox would also rush to get the very timely White Sox 2008 A.L. Central Division Champions 24KT Gold Coin. It commemorates the team’s most recent division championship. Encased in a protective acrylic capsule to last a lifetime and presented in a black velour hinged jewelry box, this coin, with a serial number to mark that it’s one of only 5000 pieces, makes for a perfect gift for a truly loyal fan. It also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

White Sox Jewelry for wearing team loyalty in style

The wide selection of jewelry in the Chicago White Sox Merchandise store is sure to please because they are not just items that bear the team’s logo and a bit of sparkle. They are stylishly designed and something White Sox would be proud to wear everyday.

One of these beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry is the White Sox Dia 7.5inch Bracelet. It’s designed with alternating logos of the team and stockings on a diamond. It is elegant enough to wear with more formal attire but casual enough to wear with a simple getup worn to a White Sox game.

Another impressive piece of Chicago White Sox Jewelry is the White Sox Base Ball Ring. It is carved with a baseball in gold and the team’s official logo on the center on its face. This ring will add some sparkle to whatever clothing, whether it’s a suit at the office or watching a baseball game of the little leaguer. It will make any outfit classy and exciting at the same time.

The White Sox online merchandise store is also not without a variety of timepieces. Women fans of the team will be happy to know that there is a White Sox Ladies All Star Stainless Steel Watch. It has a smooth stainless steel finish and gold rim. It has the team’s official logo on its face and is designed beautifully, earning the right to be the perfect watch for the lady fans of the team. Its counterpart is the White Sox Men's All Star Stainless Steel Watch. For male fans of the team, this watch has the same design and top quality materials as the ladies’ watch.

Designing the home the White Sox way

Some of the merchandise fans of the team will appreciate are the home decors. A home can be easily designed to look exactly like a home of a loyal follower of the White Sox. Take for example the White Sox Door Knocker. It instantly tells one’s guests that they are about to enter the house of a Die Hard White Sox fan. The knocker is classy in bronze with the team character featured on top of it and the team logo on it.

A great home decor logo item to partner with this is the White Sox Door Mat. It has a beautiful design at the corners and has the words “Chicago White Sox” printed boldly in our MLB Shop.

These items from the White Sox online merchandise store are sure to please. There are just so many to choose from to show one’s support for the team.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Chicago White Sox Fans Can Celebrate Team's Division Title through Memorabilia and Jerseys

The Chicago White Sox added their recent win in the American League Central Division Championship to their growing record of titles.

White Sox history
The Chicago White Sox is one of two teams in Major League Baseball that are based in Chicago. The Chicago Cubs are part of the National League while the White Sox are in the American League. It was established in 1901 and was called the Chicago White Stockings at that time. Since 1991, the U.S. Cellular Field, formerly called New Comiskey Park, has been the team's home stadium.

The White Sox title record includes 2 West Division titles, 3 Central Division titles, the most recent was in 2008, 7 American League Pennants, the last one being in 2005, and 3 World Series titles, also in 2005.

Display-worthy memorabilia from the White Sox online merchandise

The Chicago White Sox Merchandise has a load of items that will make for great displays in any part of the house or office. One such memorabilia a loyal fan would be proud to have is the White Sox Replica Mini Helmet with Clear Stand and Left Ear Flap. This helmet is a half-scale version of the replica helmet made by Riddell. It is designed in White Sox official colors with the team logo printed on its body. It's the perfect Chicago White Sox memorabilia to take when asking for players' autographs.

Another piece of memorabilia that deserves a front and center position in a White Sox fan's collection is the White Sox Carlos Quentin 'Autographed' Photomint With Gold & Infield Dirt Coins. This framed collectible features a photo of the Mexican American outfielder in action and his signature across it. The 2 gold coins that make this memorabilia extra special is a team commemorative coin and an infield dirt coin with authentic dirt from the U.S. Cellular Field embedded in the center. The numbered hologram which verifies the authenticity of the infield dirt adds to the owner's pride. Only 50 are going to own this one of a kind memorabilia because it is extremely limited edition.

Fans would also want to get a hold of the White Sox 2008 A.L.Central Division Champions 24KT Gold Coin. This excellent mintage is made of 24KT Gold overlay and is given a unique serial number on its edge to signify that is one of a limited edition of only 5,000 pieces. Encased in a protective acrylic capsule and presented in a black velour box, this memorabilia also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Surely, a truly passionate White Sox fan will have more than one desired item among the prestigious memorabilia in the online merchandise store.

White Sox jerseys for fans of all sizes

Undoubtedly the best getup to be in while watching a game is a White Sox jersey that is officially licensed by Major League Baseball. The team's online merchandise store has jerseys of different designs in their official colors. There are jerseys for the young and old. The standard sizes for men are already common but the great thing is that there are also jerseys for infant onwards.

The Chicago White Sox Infant Replica Jersey is a great way to make the youngest of the family a major leaguer. It's undoubtedly a great replica of the one worn by the team on the field. This jersey has a button down front with tackle twill appliquéd lettering of the logo. Made of 100% polyester, this little sporty garment features a jock tag on front left.

Toddlers also have their own size of the Chicago White Sox Toddler Replica Jersey. Believe it or not, there is also a Chicago White Sox Kids 4-7 Replica Jersey and versions of the Chicago White Sox Women's Pinstripe Replica Jersey. Now, everyone can enjoy the games in fierce White Sox uniform.

The online merchandise store also has Chicago White Sox Gifts, jerseys dedicated to players of the Chicago White Sox. One of the players whose name is proudly shown in the White Sox jerseys is Jose Contreras. The Cuban Major League Baseball player is the team's starting pitcher. Fans can honor Contreras by wearing the Jose Contreras Chicago White Sox Road Grey Replica Jersey. Made of 100% poly double knit, this jersey has authentic full chest team name applications in classic team font. It displays his name and number at the back in tackle twill. There's also the Alternate Black Replica Jersey with his name and number, as well.

White Sox fans will surely find the perfect jersey for them to wear on game day or any other casual day.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Alex Rios & Adam Lind Home Runs vs White Sox 5/17/09

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Blog Offers Gear and Accessories to Enhance Your Experience When Watching MLB Games

MLB fans all over the country love their MLB teams so much that they virtually fund a whole sub-industry over and above supporting the game of MLB – that is of course the retail of MLB Shop, related merchandise. MLB memorabilia, gear, and accessories is a billion dollar a year industry – that’s a lot of money for a game to generate.

When fans watch MLB games, it’s obvious that people enjoy the experience quite a lot. What’s there not to like? There are hotdogs, soda, peanuts, candy, beer, pretzels, and a whole lot more treats to be had. Then of course there’s the MLB game itself, the players, the action, the adrenaline rush of watching your favourite team and cheering yourself hoarse to try and will them to victory. All those things are enough reason to love going to MLB games, but of course, there’s more out there that can enhance the experience for you as a fan. That is where MLB merchandise comes in.



MLB merchandise’s sole purpose is to enhance the fan’s feeling of connection with the game, most especially their favourite team. Good thing there’s a place online, like diehardfans.com that can provide you with accessories, gift items, and even jewelry, that is dedicated to MLB.

MLB Accessories

What makes MLB accessories fun for people? For one, it makes fans feel like part of a group, a community. It gives them a sense of camaraderie when they are together with fellow fans. And nothing makes a fan happier than displaying their team allegiances for everyone to see. Fortunately, you can get a whole range of MLB accessories from the site.

Here are a few samples:

You can add a dash of team spirit when you come to the office wearing a tie that features your favourite club. Why not drive down to the office wearing officially licensed team sunglasses with matching soft carry case? If you’re more on the techie side, there are even team color-coordinated iPod and mobile phone protectors available. And for the ladies, there are nice little velvet pouches with team logos where you can organize and carry all your girly stuff, and then safely tuck it into your bag.

To complete your ensemble, there are all sorts of cool MLB accessories such as belt buckles, key chains, lighters, and even stationery such as pads and penholders. Not only will you be getting quality accessories, you’ll be showing everyone just how much you love the game and your team.

MLB gifts

MLB related items are great as gifts too. For a Die Hard Fan, nothing beats getting MLB gifts, no matter what the occasion is. Imagine this, a team themed holiday tree, with MLB game related presents!

For the kids, there is back-to-school gifts such as lunch boxes with their favourite ball club or favourite player displayed up front. For the MLB fan with a flair for interior decorating, there are some nice decorative items available such as 3D tabletop ornaments of team logos, bobble-head dolls of your favourite players, and even some nice and sparkling fiber-optic laser ornaments. And of course, for the MLB fan who loves collecting memorabilia and collectibles, there are a host of choices that will make you salivate with glee. You can have everything you can possibly think of, from mini replica helmets to trinket boxes with logos. For more serious collectors who would like to invest in high value memorabilia, there’s a fine collection of minted items such as commemorative coins, championship coins, and photo mints of your favourite players. These last items come in limited editions that will surely be more valuable after a few years.

MLB jewelry

If all that is not enough, then maybe you’d like to take a gander at the available jewelry – yes there is a jewelry section on the site and it offers a rich assortment of items that can be used to accent most anything you can find in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised to find our MLB jewelry encompasses toe rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even classy leather and silver watches for both men and women.

If you want to impress your girl, who you know is also an avid MLB fan, a pair of earrings that bears her favorite team’s logo is sure to impress. You can even tell her that in fact, the pair you gave is made from authentic jewelry grade silver (in some cases at least). Or better yet, get a complete set - everything from toe ring, bracelet, necklace, and watch to complete her team look when you go to that next game you have planned for the weekend. There’s also a great selection of watches for the guys, in almost all styles imaginable.

Monday, May 11, 2009

White Sox launch Volunteer Corps

By Scott Merkin

CHICAGO -- The White Sox officially launched the team's Volunteer Corps through Saturday's White Sox Service Day. The program began with a morning kickoff ceremony at U.S. Cellular Field, which included Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Richard Daley -- both of whom are White Sox fans.

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Rangers end Colon's streak, beat White Sox 7-1

Hank Blalock homered twice, Vicente Padilla allowed one hit in seven innings and the Texas Rangers ended Bartolo Colon's dominance against them with a 7-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday

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White Sox-Indians preview

Season series: Sox won 11-7 in 2008.

WCIU-Ch. 26. RH Gavin Floyd (2-2, 6.29 ERA) vs. RH Carl Pavano (2-3, 6.61)

Tuesday: 6:05 p.m.; CSN.

LH Mark Buehrle (5-0, 2.61) vs. LH Jeremy Sowers (0-1, 12.60)

Wednesday: 11:05 a.m.; CSN.

LH Clayton Richard (0-0, 4.41) vs. LH Cliff Lee (1-5, 3.45)

Who's hot: Lee is 1-5, but in his last four starts his ERA is 1.74. Before an 0-for-3 Sunday, Victor Martinez had hit in 17 of 18 games. Mark DeRosa is 16-for-54 (.296) with three homers and six RBIs in his last 13. Carlos Quentin has three doubles in his last two games.

Who's not: Grady Sizemore has three hits in his last 21 at-bats with no RBIs. The Indians were scoreless for 20 innings before scoring in the second Sunday, and they've lost seven of 10. The Sox's Jim Thome has one hit in his last 18 at-bats.

White Sox's Bobby Jenks admits he threw behind Ian Kinsler


White Sox closer Bobby Jenks surprised even his manager with his admission that Saturday night's fastball behind the butt of Ian Kinsler was thrown there on purpose.

And while it didn't necessarily please Ozzie Guillen, Jenks' teammates had to appreciate his effort after six of them were hit by pitches in the last week by Rangers pitchers.

Asked if the two-out, ninth-inning pitch to Kinsler "got away from him," Jenks replied without hesitation:

"No, I meant to. To send a message. Basically I was saying, 'I'm sick of seeing our guys get hit and hurt and almost get taken out of the game.' I threw it with intention."

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Postponed Tigers-White Sox game set for July 24

Postponed Tigers-White Sox game set for July 24



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White Sox designate MacDougal for assignment


The Chicago White Sox designated right-hander Mike MacDougal for assignment Tuesday and recalled reliever Jack Egbert from Triple-A Charlotte.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Perry nearly hits 3 White Sox with high-90s fastballs

BY JON PAUL MOROSI

Ryan Perry's third pitch to Alexei Ramirez nearly hit him on the head. The first pitch to Brent Lillibridge soared past his helmet and straight to the backstop.

By the time Josh Fields ducked away from another wild fastball, Wednesday's eighth inning had reached a flash point.

Fields didn't think Perry purposely had thrown the fastball at his head, but he barked toward the mound just the same.

The tension dissipated quickly -- no players left the bench -- thanks to mediation by the umpires and catcher Gerald Laird.

But one wonders if those events will be recalled during some of the 16 remaining games between the Tigers and White Sox.

"He's just wild," said Fields, the Chicago third baseman, after Detroit's 9-0 win. "The scouting report says, 'Wild.' Everyone knows he's wild -- 98 at your face, you're not going to like.

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Signing Podsednik win-win for Sox

Signing Podsednik win-win for Sox

Riding the coattails of their parent club, the White Sox, the Class AAA Charlotte Knights sent a formal invitation to President Barack Obama to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during a game this season.

"We now have the Chicago White Sox’s biggest supporter in the White House. President Obama is a huge White Sox fan and a fan of baseball," Knights director of media relations John Agresti said. “We would be more than happy to host President Obama and his family as they watch the future stars of the White Sox right here at Knights Stadium.”

Good luck with the invite. In the meantime, the Knights will have to settle for Scott Podsednik.

Signed to a minor-league contract by the Sox on Tuesday, Podsednik is expected to be in Charlotte’s starting lineup for the first time on Thursday against Norfolk.
Podsednik was one of the Sox’ World Series heroes in 2005, but injuries took their toll over the next two seasons and the speedy leadoff man was released after the ’07 season.

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Josh Fields finds a home in second spot

Chicago White Sox like his patience at plate

In the midst of the White Sox's search for a productive leadoff hitter, they have discovered an effective No. 2 hitter.

That's Josh Fields, who has thrived in the second spot since Chris Getz was elevated to bat leadoff after Dewayne Wise struggled at the top of the batting order.

"The biggest thing I can rest my hat on was that I was there in 2007 for nearly the entire time I was up," said Fields, who hit 14 of his 23 home runs that season from the second spot. "I've been there before and had success there. [I'll] just keep playing and do what I can do to help the team win."

Manager Ozzie Guillen has been extremely pleased with Fields' pitch selection, as evidenced by his five walks, .308 batting average and .438 on-base percentage.

"He's the type of guy who's not going to chase bad pitches. That's why it's ideal for him there," Guillen said.

In the eighth, the Tigers' Ryan Perry threw five pitches that nearly hit three batters — Alexei Ramirez, Brent Lillibridge and Fields. After the fifth one, Fields glared at Perry.

"We knew he would be throwing it all over the place," Fields said. "He kind of smirked at me after a couple, and I didn't think that was the right thing to do."

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Detroit Tigers shut out Chicago White Sox

Detroit Tigers shut out Chicago White Sox 9-0

Sox have trouble coping with Tigers' speed
By Mark Gonzales

The White Sox encountered several scenarios against Detroit they are certain to face during a four-game rematch series with American League champion Tampa Bay starting Thursday.

Unfortunately for the Sox, the Tigers exploited them Wednesday in a 9-0 loss in the same manner the Rays can.

For starters, the Tigers stole two bases, including a Josh Anderson theft in the fifth inning that helped snap a scoreless tie.

Miguel Cabrera, who had the other stolen base, ignited a three-run sixth with a leadoff home run off Jose Contreras.

The speedy Anderson also laid down a bunt that extended the sixth-inning rally.

In addition, reliever Mike MacDougal's control struggles resurfaced as the Tigers scored four runs off him in two innings. Manager Ozzie Guillen took the blame for not pulling MacDougal following the seventh after he had allowed only one run.

These are bad omens as the Sox head to St. Petersburg, where they dropped two consecutive games in the AL Division Series last October despite holding leads in each of those losses and stranding 11 runners in the second one.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Zach Miner battered as White Sox pound Tigers

by Gary Bond

DETROIT -- The 37-degree conditions Monday afternoon at Comerica Park must have seemed like 80 and sunny to the Chicago White Sox hitters, who pounded out a season-high 16 hits against the Detroit Tigers.

Two of the three White Sox big bombers -- Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko -- also produced major league history in a 10-6 win against the Tigers, blasting back-to-back home runs in the second inning for the first time this season.

That wasn't the history.

The fact the home runs were career No. 300 for each of them made Dye and Konerko the first pair in MLB history, according to Elias Sports Bureau, to accomplish the feat in a back-to-back situation in the same inning.

That meant Tigers starting pitcher Zach Miner also will be a footnote.

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Arizona falls to White Sox


By Andrew Bagnato

Chicago White Sox lefty John Danks struck out two men with cut fastballs.

Arizona right-hander Jon Garland is developing a cutter — and one of his ended up on a grassy embankment far beyond the right-center field wall.

Danks gave up one hit and struck out two in two innings but wasn't impressed with his stuff as Chicago defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-1 on Friday.

"I didn't feel real sharp," Danks said after his first spring start. "I think it's more of a case of, it's early for the hitters. The hitters aren't quite there yet. Obviously, the goal going into the game was to get my work in and be healthy whenever I finished."

Danks may not have felt sharp, but he looked it.

He struck out the first two Diamondbacks — Felipe Lopez and Augie Ojeda — with cutters. In the second, Danks gave up a single to Chad Tracy before ending the inning, and his outing, by getting Tony Clark to ground into a 5-4-3 double play.

Danks is set to be the Sox's No. 3 starter, slotted behind Mark Buehrle and Gavin Floyd.

Garland pitched for the White Sox from 2000-07, but the club traded him to the Los Angeles Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera in November 2007.

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White Sox reach deal with Podsednik

by Ken Rosenthal

The White Sox have agreed to a minor-league deal with Scott Podsednik, one of the heroes of Chicago's 2005 World Series team.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Justin Verlander returns to form in win

By JON PAUL MOROSI

For all practical purposes, Justin Verlander has the same delivery now that he did in 2006, when he was the American League’s top rookie, and in 2007, when he threw a no-hitter. He stands tall on the mound, raises his left leg with a snap, and coolly releases one of the game’s most blistering fastballs.

On Saturday, though, he made a slight adjustment – so small that he mentioned it to reporters afterward.

As he rocked on the rubber during his windup, he let his hands drop toward his belt; then he raised the glove back to the Olde English D on his jersey before pulling the ball from the webbing.

Before, he had kept his hands even with his chest throughout the delivery.

Was this a big change? No. But while his glove moved only a matter of inches, the tweak yielded immediate results.

Verlander allowed one earned run in five innings. He took a no-decision but was thrilled to watch the Tigers’ bullpen earn a taut 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park.

“It’s nice to see us win ballgames like that,” Verlander said. “I don’t think I’ve seen us win too many like that in the recent past.”

Now, the Tigers can comfortably say that they are off to a decent start. They have a 3-3 record, just as they did after six games in 2007 – the year they entered the All-Star break with the second-best record in baseball.

More important than one victory, their young ace showed an ability to make a quick, successful adjustment – something many Detroit players (Verlander included) were unable to do in 2008.

“I felt like it gave me some good rhythm,” Verlander said afterward. “Everything felt good.”

Let’s be clear: Verlander has not adopted the old-style Paul Byrd windup. He does, however, believe that the glove movement will make it harder for hitters to pick up the ball. He also hopes it will keep him from tipping pitches – something the Tigers once believed Verlander had done against the Chicago White Sox.

The White Sox are due in to town this week, but Verlander won’t face them. (Too bad. An encounter with his most familiar foe might be particularly telling now.)

Two unearned runs in the fifth inning – after errors by Brandon Inge and Adam Everett – prevented Verlander from earning the victory himself. But he didn’t seem perturbed by that afterward. Instead, he talked about how happy he was for the relievers who pitched so well.

“We showed a lot of guts today,” he said. “A lot of teams could have folded after an inning like that. A lot of players could have folded. I don’t feel like any of our guys did, especially Inge and Everett. They put it behind them and just played from then on.”

Man sues White Sox over T-shirt toss; Are these gimmicks worth the risk?


By Kyle Koster

One of the things I've never come close to understanding is the outrageous levels of excitement for between-innings promotions at the ballpark. It seems completely out of whack that a crisply turned double play will garner a polite golf clap, but an animated bagel participating in a race against a cup of coffee and a doughnut can work the crowd into a frenzy.

Usually, these little gimmicks are over in a minute and then the silliness is immediately erased from memory.

But for one man who attended a White Sox game, there's an alleged painful reminder of one of these time-fillers.

David Babusiak of St. John, Ind., suffered a permanent back injury when he was shoved to the ground at a June 8, 2007 game, when members of the Chevrolet Pride Team fired a T-shirt from a "launcher cannon" into Babusiak's section of the stands between innings, his attorney, David Holub, said.

Assuming this is really what happened, it boggles the mind that someone would discard their fellow fan to the ground in pursuit of a cheaply made XXXXL T-shirt that will probably used to wipe off the dipstick during an oil change in a matter of days.

What is the attraction? Is it the momentary thrill of being part of the action? Is it the chance to get your mug on the Jumbotron?

I'm all for fun, and if diving after trinkets in the stands is your idea of a great day at the ballpark, then I can accept that. But perhaps someone out there can explain the draw of having to tote around an ill-fitting T-shirt the rest of the day and then never wear it.

The suit filed in federal court in Hammond, Ind. this week also names U.S. Cellular Field and the Pride Team as defendants.

The defendants are liable for more than $75,000 in damages because they were "engaging in an abnormally dangerous activity, namely, shooting free T-shirts as projectiles into an unsupervised crowd of spectators, some of whom may not have been sober."

Then arises the question if suits like these have merit. Are risks like this knowingly accepted when a patron takes their seat at the game?

Clearly, acting some level of decorum would alleviate incidents like this, but do teams need to eliminate these promotions to keep fans safe?

I'd say that would be a bit of an overreaction, but can also recall a time several years back when I witnessed firsthand an elderly man being struck square in the face with a soaking wet nerf ball. His day, and his hot dog were ruined.

What do you think about the suit and these gimmicks in general?

Source: suntimes.com

American League Game Capsules

Final Score: Chicago 10, Detroit 6

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Carlos Quentin homered twice and Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko went back-to-back for each's 300th career home run, as the Chicago White Sox pounded out a 10-6 victory over the Detroit Tigers in the opener of a three-game series at Comerica Park. Quentin added a single and a walk in five plate appearances, drove in four runs and scored three times in the victory. Dye contributed three hits and Konerko finished 4-for-5 with four runs batted in and a pair of runs scored for Chicago, which banged out 16 hits. Gavin Floyd (1-1) went the first five innings and notched his first win of the season for the White Sox. Detroit starter Zach Miner (1-1), who surrendered just one run in 5 2/3 innings of a win against Toronto last week, didn't make it out of the fourth inning and took the loss Monday. He was roughed up for eight runs on nine hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings. Ramon Santiago went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and Josh Anderson drove in three runs for the Tigers, who were coming off a three-game sweep of Texas this past weekend.

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Tigers aim for fourth straight win in opener with White Sox

The Detroit Tigers take aim at their fourth straight win this afternoon when they begin a three-game set with the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

After dropping three of four in Toronto to start its season, Detroit returned home to sweep the Texas Rangers. On Sunday, the Tigers scored six times in the eighth to pull out a 6-4 win to complete the trifecta.

Brandon Inge went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Placido Polanco went 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored in the win for Detroit, which is off to its best home start since winning its first five games at Tiger Stadium in 1993.

Brandon Lyon (1-1) got the win for Detroit after tossing two perfect innings in relief of Edwin Jackson, who gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in a six-inning start.

Heading to the hill this afternoon for the Tigers will be right-hander Zach Miner, who defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in his initial start of the year on Wednesday. Miner surrendered a run and six hits in 5 2/3 innings of that one to nail down the win.

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Chicago White Sox beat Minnesota Twins 6-1

By Dave van Dyck

Buehrle gets support, retires 15 straight

Hidden by their 3-3 record after the first homestand is the exclamation-point start for a White Sox rotation that had question marks attached to every one of its five spots.

After Sunday's 6-1 victory over the Twins, Sox starters have the third-best ERA in baseball at 2.29, helped the last two days by No. 5 Bartolo Colon and No. 1 Mark Buehrle.

Buehrle followed up Colon's six shutout innings Saturday with one run in 61/3 innings Sunday, which he acknowledged was "10 times better than my last game."

"If we continue to pitch like we have, this ballclub will be interesting," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "This division, this league is about pitching and health. Everybody's got a good lineup. You pitch well, you win."

Well, most of the time—though Gavin Floyd is 0-1 after giving up two runs in seven innings and John Danks is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

But the Sox have won both of Buehrle's starts, thanks in large part to Jim Thome, who socked a game-winning three-run homer in the eighth on Opening Day and then what turned into a game-winning two-run shot in the sixth Sunday.

Buehrle did the rest, though Bobby Jenks had to bail Clayton Richard out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth with a strikeout of ex-teammate Joe Crede and a double-play ground ball.

"I didn't have any time to think about it," Jenks said. "I had one batter to get ready, and I really just came in and attacked the zone."

Buehrle allowed only two hits, including a home run by Delmon Young, and retired the final 15 batters before Guillen took the ball from him in a conversation-filled visit to the mound in the seventh.

"He was asking me how I do it," Buehrle said. "He said, 'I looked up in the first inning and I see a pitch at 78 m.p.h., and I don't know how you get people out.' We're always joking around with each other."

Said catcher A.J. Pierzynski: "It was awesome to see Mark throw that way and have the movement he had. Basically, he made one mistake. Other than that, he was pretty darn good.

"Without a doubt, our starting pitching has been outstanding. We haven't hit the way we'd like to, but the last couple of days have been better."

The offense actually pieced together nine hits Sunday, including Jermaine Dye's 299th career homer to lead off the eighth.

They even had an impressive small-ball rally that produced two insurance runs in the seventh. Alexei Ramirez singled and was sacrificed by ninth hitter Dewayne Wise, who has four hits in his last eight at-bats after an 0-for-12 start. Chris Getz then was hit in the right hand and left the game.

Josh Fields followed with an RBI single, and then pinch-runner Brent Lillibridge scored on a shallow sacrifice fly by Carlos Quentin. The Sox have just two batters over .300—Fields and Dye—and Thome is at .211 despite his team-leading five RBIs.

"It's just nice to contribute, and I'm trying to have good at-bats," Thome said. "Sometimes it's not happening. You've got to work and get better. The last couple of days we've been swinging the bats well. [But] good teams get good pitching."

This day in baseball: April 13

APRIL 13

1914: The first Federal League game was played in Baltimore and the Terrapins defeated Buffalo 3-2 behind Jack Quinn. A crowd estimated at 27,000 stood 15 rows deep in the outfield to witness the return of big-league baseball to Baltimore.

1933: Sammy West of St. Louis went six for six in an 11-inning win over the Chicago White Sox. He had five singles and a double off Ted Lyons.

1953: For the first time in half a century, a new city was represented in the American or National leagues. The Braves moved from Boston to Milwaukee and opened in Cincinnati, where Max Surkont set down the Reds, 2-0.

1954: Henry Aaron made his major-league debut in left field for the Milwaukee Braves and went zero for five in a 9-8 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati’s Jim Greengrass hit four doubles in his first major-league game.

1963: Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds tripled off Pittsburgh’s Bob Friend for his first major-league hit.

1972: The first player strike in baseball history ended.

1984: Pete Rose got his 4,000th hit, a double off Philadelphia pitcher Jerry Koosman. The hit came exactly 21 years after his first hit.

1987: The San Diego Padres set a major-league record when the first three batters in the bottom of the first inning hit homers off San Francisco starter Roger Mason in their home opener. The Padres, trailing 2-0, got homers from Marvell Wynne, Tony Gwynn and John Kruk.

1993: Lee Smith became the career saves leader as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-7. Smith got his 358th save, surpassing Jeff Reardon of the Cincinnati Reds.

1999: Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez drove in nine runs in the Rangers’ 15-6 victory at Seattle. Rodriguez hit a three-run homer in the first, a two-run single in the second and his first career grand slam in the third as Texas took a 13-0 lead.

2004: San Francisco’s Barry Bonds hit his 661st homer, passing Willie Mays to take sole possession of third place on baseball’s career list.

2006: Cody Ross hit a grand slam and a three-run homer, helping Los Angeles beat Pittsburgh 13-5.

2007: Carlos Lee hit three homers, including a grand slam, and drove in six runs, helping Houston to a 9-6 win at Philadelphia.

2008: Joe Crede and Paul Konerko each hit grand slams for the White Sox against the Tigers, the third time Chicago has had multiple grand slams in the same game in its history.

Inside the Tigers: Series with White Sox looms

by Steve Kornacki

Who's hot: Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera is among the league leaders in the Triple Crown categories (.520, three home runs and 10 RBIs).

Who's not: Carlos Guillen got the game-tying hit Sunday, but it was his lone hit of a three-game series with Texas and he's batting .182.

Play of the week: Third baseman Brandon Inge's all-out run and over-the-shoulder diving catch to rob Texas Rangers No. 3 hitter Josh Hamilton on opening day. Inge ran nearly half way down the left field line on the play.

Matchup of the week: Detroit hosts the defending Central Division champion Chicago White Sox before embarking on a nine-game road trip. Winning the three-game series with a rival before facing the rigors of the road would supply some needed breathing room.

Schedule: Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox, 1:05 p.m., Monday (Zach Miner vs. Gavin Floyd, FSN), 1:05 p.m., Tuesday (Rick Porcello vs. John Danks, FSN), 1:05 p.m., Wednesday (Armando Galarraga vs. Jose Contreras, FSN). Tigers at Seattle Mariners, 10:10 p.m., Friday (Justin Verlander vs. Felix Hernandez, FSN), 9:10 p.m., Saturday (Edwin Jackson vs. Erik Bedard, FSN), 4:10 p.m., Sunday (Zach Miner vs. Carlos Silva, FSN).

Analysis: Getting comeback wins Saturday and Sunday against the Rangers did much for the confidence and mindset of this team, which needed a turnaround after starting 1-3 in Toronto.

Chicago White Sox try to rest catcher A.J. Pierzynski

BY DAVE VAN DYCK

With Corky Miller showing he is a legitimate backup catcher, the White Sox's plan is to give A.J. Pierzynski more games off. Pierzynski, 32, has played 150 games two of the last three seasons.

"Hopefully we've got a little cushion [in the division] to give A.J. more rest," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I know A.J. loves to be on the field. It's a big year for him because he's a free agent. But the fresher we keep him, the more we get out of him."

More rest for Pierzynski?

"[Guillen] hasn't told that to me," he said. "I'm going to try to get out there as much as I can. I feel like I'm in the best shape I've been in a long time, and I've got nothing physically wrong with me.

"We're fortunate we have Corky and he can be productive, as he showed [Saturday with two hits]. If we're in the pennant race, I'll be out there every day."

Going home: The three-game series that starts Monday at Comerica Park will be special for second baseman Chris Getz, who grew up in suburban Detroit. He idolized Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker and played at Comerica as a high schooler.

"You dream about something like that," Getz said.

Getz is questionable Monday because he was hit by a pitch in the right elbow in the seventh inning Sunday and removed.

Finding a home: Despite the pressure of replacing Joe Crede, third baseman Josh Fields has reached base safely in every game and is hitting .353. "He's got good enough speed that he can bunt and is patient at the plate," Guillen said.

King K: Nine of the 10 outs recorded this season by reliever Octavio Dotel have been on strikeouts.

"Dotel's the type of guy, you love him or he can break your heart," Guillen said. "This guy is one of the best strikeout pitchers in the game."

Extra innings: Starter Jeff Marquez was shelled in his first start at Triple-A Charlotte, giving up six runs in less than two innings. ... Catcher Tyler Flowers had three hits, including a homer, for Double-A Birmingham.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox box score – 4/9/09

Kansas City

AB

R

H

BI

BB

SO

Avg.

Crisp cf

3

1

2

2

2

0

0.364

Dejesus lf

5

0

2

0

0

0

0.214

Teahen 2b-rf

5

0

0

0

0

2

0.25

Guillen dh

4

0

1

0

1

2

0.167

Butler 1b

3

0

0

0

0

1

0

b-Jacobs ph-1b

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

Gordon 3b

3

0

0

0

0

1

0.2

Aviles ss

4

0

0

0

0

2

0.2

Buck c

4

0

1

0

0

0

0.25

Bloomquist rf

2

0

1

0

0

1

0.5

a-Callaspo ph-2b

2

1

2

0

0

0

1

Totals

36

2

9

2

3

10


Chicago

AB

R

H

BI

BB

SO

Avg.

Getz 2b

4

0

0

0

0

1

0.167

Pierzynski c

4

0

0

0

0

0

0.2

Quentin lf

2

1

1

0

2

1

0.125

Thome dh

4

0

0

0

0

2

0.273

Dye rf

4

0

1

1

0

0

0.417

Konerko 1b

3

0

1

0

1

1

0.222

1-Lillibridge pr

0

0

0

0

0

0

Al. Ramirez ss

4

0

0

0

0

2

0

Wise cf

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

c-B. Anderson ph-cf

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

d-Betemit ph

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

Fields 3b

2

0

1

0

1

1

0.429

Totals

31

1

4

1

4

10


Kansas City000000002291
Chicago000000001141
a-singled for Bloomquist in the 7th. b-struck out for Butler in the 8th. c-struck out for Wise in the 8th. d-struck out for BAnderson in the 9th. 1-ran for Konerko in the 9th.

E: Gordon (1), Fields (1). LOB: Kansas City 11, Chicago 7. 2B: Crisp (2), Dejesus (1), Callaspo (1), Quentin (1). HR: Crisp (1), off Jenks. RBIs: Crisp 2 (3), Dye (1). SB: JGuillen (1), Gordon (1).

Runners left in scoring position: Kansas City 6 (Teahen 3, Guillen, Aviles 2); Chicago 2 (Quentin, Betemit). Runners moved up: Gordon, Getz, Pierzynski, Thome, Dye. DP: Chicago 1 (Ramirez and Getz).

Kansas City

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

NP

ERA

Davies

7

3

0

0

2

8

103

0

Mahay W, 1-0

1

0

0

0

1

1

15

0

Soria S, 2

1

1

1

1

1

1

25

4.5


Chicago

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

NP

ERA

Danks

6

3

0

0

3

5

95

0

Macdougal

3-Jan

2

0

0

0

0

10

0

Thornton

3-Feb

0

0

0

0

1

8

0

Dotel

1

1

0

0

0

3

19

0

Jenks L, 0-1

1

3

2

2

0

1

16

9


Inherited runners scored: Thornton 2-0. HBP: by Danks (Gordon).

Umpires: Home, Bruce Dreckman; First, Paul Emmel; Second, Gary Darling; Third, Bill Hohn. Time: 2:51. Announced attendance: 18,091.