posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:50 PM by Jim

September 27: White Sox 2, Indians 1 (7 1/2 innings)

Tonight's game was the first Sox game I enjoyed watching (or reading about) in more than a week.  Since shutting out the Tigers 7-0 on September 19, the Sox haven't played crisp baseball at any point until tonight.

The offense didn't do much, though since they were really a beefed up version of the Charlotte Knights, I wasn't expecting much.  With Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Joe Crede and A.J. Pierzynski out of the lineup (and Scott Podsednik in it), runs weren't going to come by the truckload.

I saw what I wanted to see, and that's:
  • Brandon McCarthy proving he can start.  Black Mac gave up two hits in 5-1/3 innings, one of them of course the requisite homer on a high fastball.  He did strike out eight while walking only one, and had all three pitches working.  One thing he could stand to do is add some variation on his fastball, maybe turn it into a two-seamer or something, because it's only a complimentary pitch now, 90-92 and straight.
  • Charlie Haeger continuing to get hitters out.  A couple days after earning his first major-league win, Chuckleball picks up his first major-league save, throwing 1 2/3 perfect innings with two strikeouts.  Better yet, he cleaned up for McCarthy, who walked Grady Sizemore with one out before departing.  How'd he do that?  With some...
  • Quality play by Chris Stewart.  I don't think Stewart is the Sox's answer for backup catcher yet, but if he's better than Sandy Alomar Jr. or Chris Widger, it's a start.  He showed he at least as a cannon arm by throwing out  Sizemore not once, but twice.  The guy has a quick release, even gunning down the speedy center fielder on a Haeger knuckleball.  He doesn't have a hit to his name yet, but he doesn't look as clueless at the plate as Josh Fields.
  • Rob Mackowiak playing the corners.  Jerry Owens manned center and had two hits and a stolen base, although he looked hopeless against a lefty.  Meanwhile, Mack made a beautiful leaping grab at the wall to rob Kevin Kouzmanoff of extra bases.  He drifted back with it perfectly, and was able to make a two-footed, straight vertical jump to snatch the ball in front of the yellow line on the Jacobs Field wall. 
  • Ross Gload continuing to contribute.  He hit a solo homer, his third of the year, to put the Sox on the board.  He also singled later in the game.  He's hitting .320, and could be a vital part of the team next year.
Record: 88-71 | Box score | Play-by-play

Comments

# re: September 27: White Sox 2, Indians 1 (7 1/2 innings)

Thursday, September 28, 2006 2:26 PM by Gregory Pratt
I'd love it if Gload could be an every day player next year. Hell, I'd consider playing him against tough lefties in place of Thome, if we don't have a right-handed alternative, because Gload can hit off of anyone at anytime. He's a good, professional hitter, and probably the best pure hitter on our team, though he hasn't got much pop.

If Podsednik has to go, I wouldn't mind some Ross Gload in his place.