Randon Sox ramblings

Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page

June is right around the corner and there are a lot of White Sox happenings. That means it is now time to spray to all fields.

There has been a lot of talk about who has been the biggest positive surprise for the White Sox so far. Juan Uribe, Scott Schoeneweis, Shingo Takatsu, and Willie Harris are among the frequently mentioned names. My pick? Miguel Olivo. He's currently hitting .290 with 5 home runs. He's one extra base hit shy of being halfway to his total last year. He still struggles against right-handed pitchers, but he's hitting a tasty .500 against South paws. I'll take it.

Speaking of Takatsu, can we start calling him the Japanese Jimmy Fallon? Take a good look, he bears a striking resemblance to Tina Fey's old Weekend Update partner.

On the topic of trades and such: I'm begging White Sox fans to please calm down with the trade talk. We have not even reached June, the Sox are in first place, and there is no need for desperation. A fifth starter would be nice. So would a third baseman who could hit his weight. But there is no need to panic. We have not exhausted all our options for a starter. As for Joe Crede, he won't flirt with the Mendoza line all season. People don't like that he's a slow starter, but this could be good for the Sox. Let Crede struggle while everyone else is hot. When one or more of the hot bats cool off, Crede should be hitting his stride.

But for the next few weeks, Crede's playing time should be limited. Let's see how Juan Uribe can do at third.

If the White Sox must go out and get a starter, take a close look at Kris Benson. Actually, take a close look at Anna Benson. Is Freddy Garcia married to someone that fabulous looking? I doubt it. (Hey, if we can't get a 5th starter that can get people out, we may as well get one with an attractive wife!)

Raise your hand if you expected Willie Harris to hit .300. I would love to say, "I told you so." The problem is, I expected .250 at best. His defense has been nothing short of excellent at second base. Keep him out of the outfield and Willie is a fine player for this team. Of course, his 1-for-17 against lefties is somewhat frightening.

Though it's not as frightening as Jose Valentin's 19 strikeouts in 44 at bats against lefties. The calculator tells me that's 43% of his at bats. His strike out rate against right-handed pitchers is not very good either - 19 whiffs in 79 at bats (24%). On the whole, that is a strike out 31% of the time. Is Jose the lefty Latino Rob Deer? Not quite, but he's getting there.

I wonder if Willie Harris was a fan of the Flintstones when he was a kid. Why else would he wear a Great Gazoo helmet?

Ever since I brought up Mark Buehrle's struggles on this site, he has been lights out. In his last four starts, he's 4-0 with a 1.54 ERA. Maybe next I should write about how Esteban Loaiza strikes out 3 fewer batters per 9 innings compared to last year. He's also walking more, giving up more hits, and more home runs, too.

The past few days I have considered no longer writing for WhiteSoxCentral.com. After all, I have not played in the majors so I have no clue about baseball. Of course, according to Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, anybody reading this wouldn't have a clue either. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

Juan Uribe needs a nickname. Some cute nicknames I've been tossing around include "King of the Universe," "Babe Ruth Part Two, "and "The Happy, Happy, Happy Dominican." Suggestions welcome.

Finally, I would like to wish a Happy Memorial Day to all. Be safe, drive safe, and wear your seatbelt or Ed Farmer will hunt you down and chastise you.