White Sox surge ahead despite injuries
Sports Network | August 15, 2008
(Sports Network) - The recipe for a postseason push generally doesn't include an unsettled starting rotation as part of the ingredients.
The Chicago White Sox (68-52), who hold a one-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central, haven't had to deal with that issue until this past week. That's because their rotation hasn't just been effective all season long, it's been healthy, too.
Each of the five starters who opened the season has logged 20 starts or more. But starter Jose Contreras (7-6, 4.54) will not get a chance to start a 21st game, after rupturing his Achilles' tendon last Saturday against the Boston Red Sox.
Since then, the team has been shuffling to fill Contreras' spot in the rotation. One candidate was D.J. Carrasco, a starter by trade, but also an effective reliever (2.57 ERA in 12 games) since being called up from Triple-A Tucson. However, the team decided to go with Lance Broadway, the team's top pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
Broadway made his '08 debut against Kansas City on Thursday, and picked up the win by allowing just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. He won his only other big league start last September against those same Royals.
Of course, Broadway also had some offensive help in Thursday's 9-2 win. Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe tied a major league record with four straight home runs in the sixth inning. The barrage of homers propelled the White Sox to a three-game sweep over the Royals.
OUCH!
Carlos Quentin has a modern-day record that no hitter covets. That is, he's been hit by a pitch in six straight games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he was the first player since 1920 to be hit in five straight games.
"Carlos is a hit magnet," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He got hit a lot in the Minor Leagues, he got a record in college. The way he hits, he stands over the plate."
Quentin has been plunked a major-league high 20 times this season.
FROM THE INFIRMARY
Setup man Scott Linebrink (2.31 ERA in 42 appearances) has been out since July 23 with right shoulder inflammation. A timetable has not been set for his return, but the team is optimistic he can return by September.
"It is taking a little bit longer than originally expected, but we're trying everything we can to get it healthy," said Linebrink, who hasn't been able to long toss. "It's not 100 percent by any means. We're battling through some stuff and there's some discomfort, but that's part of it. I just have to accept that and work through it."
Over the past month, Chicago's bullpen has been among the shakiest in the majors.
Also, there is no timetable for the return of third baseman Joe Crede, who has been out since July 22 with a bothersome back. He took an epidural shot last week with the hope that the pain would reside enough to begin a rehab assignment soon.
WHO'S HOT
Quentin has 10 home runs, five doubles and 20 RBI over his last 23 games. He is hitting .314 with a .721 slugging average during that span.
WHO'S NOT
Jim Thome is in a 3-for-22 slump.
A LOOK AHEAD
The White Sox are in Oakland this weekend, as Gavin Floyd (12-6, 3.84) eyes up his 13th win of the season tonight when he takes on Dallas Braden (3-2, 4.62) and the Athletics. On Saturday, it will be John Danks (9-5, 3.18) against Greg Smith (5-11, 3.92). And on Sunday, Javier Vazquez (9-10, 4.50) will close out the series against Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 4.09). On Monday, the White Sox return home to kick off a series with the Seattle Mariners.
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