WBEZ | White Sox

South Red Line closures just around the corner

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:04:00 -0500

The South branch of the Red Line closes Sunday for five months while it undergoes renovation. Chicago Transit Authority officials say nine stops, also known as the Dan Ryan branch, are in desperate need of repair. The CTA will provide a few backup solutions for the more than 80,000 people who ride each weekday. Other groups like PACE, Metra - even the White Sox franchise - are also lending a hand.

Starting Sunday, service will be shut down between 95th/Dan Ryan and Cermak-Chinatown. According to CTA spokesman Brian Steele, construction crews will rip everything up -- like ties, rails and ballasts - and rebuild the tracks and all but one of the train stations. Steele says the 95th/Dan Ryan stop is scheduled to receive a separate facelift beginning in the first half of 2014.

“Remember that the Red Line South opened in September of 1969, just two months after Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon,” Steele said. “It’s seen, literally, millions of train trips in that time, and has really served the CTA well.

Steele says the Red Line has been patched and fixed over the years, but it’s to the point where the only way to ensure effective operation of the line is to completely rebuild it.

That’s going to take some time - five months, to be exact. Steele says they looked at other options, like closing down only on the weekends, for example, but he says the five-month plan was the most efficient and cost-effective way to complete the project. Steele says once completed, the trackwork will provide faster and more reliable service.

To ease riders’ headaches, the CTA will provide a number of backup options. The CTA website has been upgraded with a trip planner that calculates rerouted directions for commuters. CTA is also offering express buses from four of the closed Red Line stations (95th/Dan Ryan, 87th, 79th and 69th) that will go directly to the Green Line Garfield station. Steele said Green Line service and local bus routes will also provide additional service during peak times.

For riders who think Metra or Pace might be the best option, the three transit agencies are offering a joint fare pass. Riders can buy the cards at stores like CVS or Walgreens. They provide five days of unlimited rides on CTA/Pace and 10 rides on the Metra. The cost of the pass depends on which Metra zone the rider travels to and from.

According to Metra spokesman Michael Gillis, the agency isn’t expecting an influx of riders during the Red Line closures, but says there will certainly be a “settling-in period” as riders figure out which new route works best.

Even the White Sox are chipping in to help potentially disgruntled commuters, as the Sox/35th stop is one of the stops getting a makeover. The team is offering fans discounts on some tickets to the May 20th, 21st and 22nd games against the Boston Red Sox.

Lauren Chooljian is WBEZ’s Morning Producer/Reporter. Follow her @laurenchooljian

Chicago White Sox and Cubs start strong, Bulls and Blackhawks wind down

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Sox starters shine

The first week of the season is peppered with mostly day games because of the time of year. The White Sox opening day was a sell-out and the seats were filled despite the frigid temperatures.

The next two games, both played in the afternoon, had sparse crowds. The Sox won the first two games against Kansas City with solid starting pitching (and the long ball) in that series. Yesterday they dropped the series finale 3-1 to the Royals. Sox starter Gavin Floyd gave up three runs. One was unearned. The offense was pretty much handcuffed by Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie and the bullpen.

Sox starters Chris Sale, Jake Peavy and Floyd had good outings. Tyler Flowers boasted the game winning solo homer in the opener and another home run in game 2. Sox fans will be following Flowers progress since he replaced AJ Pierzynski. The Sox defense was a bit shoddy the past two games. The weather may get the blame for now. Tonight the Southsiders host the Seattle Mariners, the first of three games at U.S. Cellular Field.

Cubs’ cold offense

There were a ton of empty seats in Pittsburgh, where the Cubs had success against the Pirates. They took two out of three, including a 3-2 win in yesterday afternoon’s series finale. Cubs lefty Travis Wood had a nice outing for his first start of the year. Wood shut out the Pirates for six innings and gave up just one hit before turning the game over to the bullpen.

The question was on the back end, as Carlos Marmol almost squandered away a 3-0 lead and was aided by a double play to end the game. Just like the weather, the offense was cold for both teams.

After a weekend series in Atlanta, the Cubs will have their home opener Monday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Sun Times is reporting a deal has been worked out for the rehabbing of the ballpark with the city, team and neighborhood. According to the report, the agreement will be announced on Monday. Nothing is for certain until the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.

Bulls beat Nets

What can you say about the Bulls? They came back to beat the Nets in Brooklyn 92-90? Carlos Boozer put the depleted Bulls team on his back and scored 29 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. It was an incredible effort considering Taj Gibson re-injured his knee and joins the long list of injured players on this Bulls squad.

Tom Thibodeau’s team had to claw and scratch to dig out of a 16 point deficit and held on to beat a team they may meet in the playoffs. After the win, the Bulls climbed up to the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are in the fourth spot. The standings are still fluid with a handful of games left. Tomorrow the Bulls return to the United Center to play the Orlando Magic.

Blackhawks lose to Blues

Last night at the United Center, the Blackhawks lost in a shoot-out to the St. Louis Blues 4-3. The Hawks did pick up a point and remain on top of the NHL with 58 total points this season.

The Hawks may be concerned with giving up a leads in the third period. They had a 2-1 advantage going into the final period and the Blues were able to score twice against Corey Crawford. With less than five minutes left, Viktor Stalberg tied up the game for the Hawks with his seventh goal of the season. However, in the shoot-out the Blues outscored the Hawks 4-3.

There are only a dozen regular season games left on the schedule the Blackhawks. Thoughts of the playoffs are getting closer and at least Marian Hossa returned from his injury and Patrick Sharp is expected back soon. Next up, an away and home series against Nashville this weekend.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Baseball's Opening Day is more than a game

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Baseball's Opening Day is a very nostalgic day in sports. Baseball is a sport that you talk about the past almost as much as the present. If you are a White Sox fan, you are excited to see Chris Sale taking the mound this afternoon against the Kansas City Royals at US Cellular. Fans that cheer for the Cubs hope they see a better team on the field as they start on the road in Pittsburgh this year. Many people will take the time today to think about the first time they went to Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park (now US Cellular). Baseball is a sport that embodies memories past and recent; many families make their favorite team a part of their family legacy.

Maybe it was a father, mother, or a grandparent who instilled the love or probably a passion for the game and a team. People get engaged at baseball games. There is someone I know who will be asked today at the Sox game. Weddings have been performed at baseball stadiums. How many times have you heard about a bachelor party starting at either of Chicago's ballparks? U.S. Cellular provided the backdrop for the bachelor party for the movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Cubs owner Tom Rickets met his wife in the Wrigley Field bleachers. People even scatter the cremated remains of their loved ones on the grass of their beloved ballparks. It isn’t an act condoned by teams, but somehow people try, especially when large groups get to march around the park, where Grandma or Grandpa's ashes may be secretly distributed .

Baseball and ballpark experiences have gone through many changes, some have been good and some have you missing the “good ole days” at Cubs and Sox games.

A favorite greeting as you walk into the park is from a vendor yelling, "Get your scorecards" it is the only sport that you buy a scorecard (and a pencil, of course). Sadly, you don't see as many people in the stands scoring at a ball game anymore. It is still done in the press box and the broadcast booth. Now you can go on the internet and have up-to-date scoring information. Years ago, score cards were your proof that you were at a game and if something special happened, such as a no-hitter or 20 K's by Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, that card would be a treasured keepsake. I know several people who love the game so much they score games from home. Once I was preparing to broadcast a Sunday night sports talk show, and I scored a Sox-Baltimore game where Sox lefty Wilson Alvarez threw a no-hitter.

Baseball is one of the best radio sports that fill the airwaves, it is a sport that can be beautifully depicted by some of the best broadcasters. We know the names; Vince Scully, Ernie Harwell, Vince Lloyd, Bob Elson, John Rooney and Pat Hughes just to name a few. There is nothing better than taking a long drive with a baseball game playing on your car radio. In the past, transistor radios were the instrument of choice to listen to a ballgame, even while sitting in the stands. Now televisions are perched throughout ballparks, and people standing in a concession line can still see the action.

There are no longer scheduled double-headers, Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day were assured a double-dip of baseball. Who could forget Ernie Banks' famous line, "Let's play two." They still can happen because of a rain-out, but parks are now cleared after the first, so a paying crowd enters for the second.

Players salaries used to be unknown, most players had to work in the off-season since they were not making the millions they are in today's game. Now a player's salary gets as much attention as his stats.

Baseball may not be the same as it was ten, twenty or thirty years ago, but it is still a game of hitting, pitching and defense. For the sake of argument, let’s hope the steroid-era has passed. There is no doubt that modern medicine, with job saving procedures and fitness programs have allowed players to play baseball more fit and recover from injuries better.

Today is one of the best days in sports, in my opinion. It begins when the umpire says, “Play ball.”

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Minnie Minoso’s first game

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0500

Baseball returns to the Windy City this week, even if spring weather has been slow in coming. Monday the White Sox take on the Kansas City Royals at the Cell. The Cubs open April 8 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In honor of the occasion, let’s revisit another important day of firsts in Chicago baseball.

The date was May 1, 1951, and on that day 26-year-old Cuban third baseman Orestes Arrieta made his Major League Baseball debut at Comiskey Park. You may know him better, of course, by his American nickname: Minnie Minoso. And when Minoso stepped up to the plate that day he was doing more than playing ball: He was also breaking the color barrier. Minoso was the first black man to play for the White Sox.

In 2006, Minoso sat down with former WBEZ host Steve Edwards to reminisce about his career. He offered this account of that fateful day. You can listen in the audio above, or check out the transcript below:

For me, [my favorite on-field moment] was May 1, 1951.
I lived in 6409 [S.] Maryland [Avenue]. We went [to the game] by streetcar. I didn’t have a car; I had no money for a car.
When I stepped at the plate, [White Sox first baseman] Eddie Robinson called me up. I hit third, he hit fourth.
He said, “Eh, Minoso, do you know this guy?” It was [pitcher] Vic Raschi, number 17 – rest in peace, he died – for the New York Yankees.
I said, “No, I don’t know [him]. I’ve never faced [him].”
[Robinson] said, “Good fastball, good curveball, and pretty good slider. And he’s fast.”
But you know, I’m a funny guy. I look around. I don’t know [Yankees catcher] Yogi [Berra]. And I said, “This ugly man -- can he see?” [Editor’s note: Among Berra’s many famous quotes is this gem: “So I’m ugly. So what? I never saw anyone hit with his face.”]
And now Yogi gets up. “Hey, Minoso! You don’t know me. Why you call me ugly? My wife, she says I’m nice looking.”
I said, “Well, you’re lucky you’re married. I’m not married. My grandmother used to say I’m a good Indian guy, nice looking, but she died. And now nobody calls me nice looking anymore.”
So anyway, the umpire said, “You two get out of here.”
I said OK. I step on the plate. I say, "Eddie! I’m going to swing three, no matter what happens. If I miss it, then next time. If I make contact, I have a chance.”
I get up there, the way I used to hit it.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the first pitch!” [says the announcer over the loudspeaker.]
I get prepared. I’m swinging! And I run like a deer to first base. And the umpire says like that [makes a gesture] but I don’t know whether [Yankees outfielder] Mickey Mantle had caught it.
And what I said I don’t want to repeat. I said, “Did this son-of-a-gun catch it?” [The umpire] said, “No, it’s a home run!”
I slow down. I’m passing second base. I come home. The people shake my hand.
That was a great day – and a beginning. Because I was the first black player in the city and the first one for the Sox. The first one! And the first pitch! I hit it in the bullpen – 439 feet.
I never dreamed it. I used to weigh 176 lbs.
I have this ball. This guy caught it, and I still have this ball at my house.

Dynamic Range showcases hidden gems unearthed from Chicago Amplified’s vast archive of public events and appears on weekends. Minnie Minoso spoke at an event presented by the Chicago History Museum in October of 2006. Click here to hear the event in its entirety.

Robin Amer is a producer on WBEZ’s digital team. Follow her on Twitter @rsamer.

What does 2013 look like for the Cubs and White Sox?

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Both the White Sox and the Cubs have left Arizona and played their final spring training games. Opening Day is Monday with all its splendor and hopes that the day brings for baseball fans. Here are some news and notes about the impending 2013 season.

New Faces for the Cubs

The one major free agent signing by the Cubs was often-traded pitcher Edwin Jackson. The 29-year-old right hand starter inked a 4-year, $54 million contract. Jackson had “a cup of coffee” with the White Sox a few years ago and will pitch plenty of innings for second year manager Dale Sveum.

Veteran Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa will be part of the bullpen. The Cubs signed the 32-year old pitcher for need and to possibly replace Carlos Marmol if he is traded. Of course, if the team tanks this year, Fujikawa may have trade value at the deadline.

In right field, the Cubs brought in Nate Schierholtz with a one year deal. He played for Philadelphia and San Francisco.

The Cubs also signed a few veterans to the pitching staff: Scott Baker (former Twin), Carlos Villanueva (former Blue Jay/Brewer) and Scott Feldman (former Ranger). Baker’s surgically repaired elbow flared up in his first spring training appearance. The Cubs are expected to shut him down for at least a month. Feldman was a reliever that converted to a starter six years ago.

Trying to stabilize the young starting catcher Welington Castillo, the Cubs brought in eight-year veteran Dioner Navarro.

Cubs departures

It was sayonara to Bryan LaHair. Last year he was an All-Star player who lost his starting job to Anthony Rizzo. He is now in Japan. The team also parted ways with third base coach Pat Listach.

Front and center for the Cubs

Wrigley Field issues will loom over this team until an agreement is made between the team, neighborhood and the city.
On the field, the Cubs will try to avoid a hundred losses and continue the path to success with young players in the Cubs' minor leagues. Darwin Barney’s play at second earned him a Gold Glove in 2012; shortstop Starlin Castro hopes to improve on his defense too.
The Cubs front office signed many stop gap players to try to have a competitive team.
Despite what his critics think, Alfonso Soriano has proven to be a leader and did produce very solid numbers at the plate.
The star in the making is first baseman Anthony Rizzo. He has all the tools.
Pitcher Matt Garza strained his left side but is expected to improve soon. Garza could be an important to help the club on the mound or a deal.
Opening Day starter Jeff Samardzija needs to remain consistent.
Unfortunately for the Cubs this year, Houston is now in the American League. The NL Central cellar may be where the Cubs may finish.

New Faces for the White Sox

The biggest change came in the front office. Rick Hahn is now the team’s general manager as Ken Williams moves up the ladder. Hahn didn’t make any wholesale moves. He did re-sign Jake Peavy to an extension. To fill a hole left by the departure of Kevin Youkilis (we barely got to know you), Hahn signed former Tampa Bay third baseman Jeff Keppinger to a three-year deal. He is a career .288 hitter. Keppinger makes contact and does not strike out. He is just getting back into action after injuring his shoulder during training camp.

Just before spring training, the Sox acquired 25-year-old third baseman Conor Gillespie from San Francisco. He has been fighting all spring to make the roster.

One more new face with the Southsiders is actually a familiar face: Bobby Thigpen. The former White Sox closer has been working with the minor league teams. He will now handle the bullpen duties after Juan Nieves departed to become the Red Sox pitching coach.

White Sox departures

Catcher and most hated player in baseball, AJ Pierzynski is now a Texas Ranger. Phillip Humber (remember he had a perfect game) pitches for Houston and third baseman Kevin Youkilis signed with the New York Yankees (not a big loss since he really didn’t want to be here).

Front and center for the White Sox

Last year under rookie manager Robin Ventura the team flourished and was competitive all year. The club ran out of gas, they had many young inexperience players that were tired at season’s end. Also a so-so bench hurt them.
Alejandro DeAza developed into a nice lead-off hitter and played well in center field.
The young guns in the bullpen were a real strength: Nate Jones, Hector Santiago and Addison Reed. They learned quickly in the majors. With Matt Thorton, Matt Lindstrom and Jesse Crain (he is dealing with right adductor strain) the bullpen can be one of the best.
John Danks will begin the season on the DL as he continues to recover from his shoulder surgery.
Dylan Axelrod will be given an opportunity in the rotation.

If Jake Peavy, pitching phenom Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Gavin Floyd (and eventually Danks) stay healthy and produce, the Sox have a chance in the competitive AL Central. The bats of Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Alex Rios must anchor the offense. AJ’s replacement Tyler Flowers is a better receiver behind the plate, it is yet to be determined if he can produce at the plate.

The White Sox may be bridesmaids to the Detroit Tigers again, but they should be a factor.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

One of the most colorful players in Chicago is gone - A.J. Pierzynski

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 06:00:00 -0600

And then there was one…

The 2005 White Sox World Series felt more distant after catcher A.J. Pierzynski agreed to play for the Texas Rangers. Now Paul Konerko is the last player from that World Championship team. It almost feels rather melancholy to think that there will be no more of the colorful and sometimes controversial player behind the plate for the South Siders.

It seemed every year A.J. was anointed as the most hated player in baseball and he loved it. Pierzynski is the kind of player from the outside who seemed like a pain and a difficult person to have on a team. He was to some extent. But what you learn being around him for eight years is he is one of the smartest players in the game. He gets under other people's skin because he knows all the nuances of the game better than most — and he lets you know it.

After covering him and Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk, you realize that those types of players are special in baseball. They are perfectionists in a game they love more than you know. Without blinking an eye, they can tell you everything and anything about a play, a pitch, a situation and have no problem explaining it.

Both players are hard-headed, want the game to be played right and would use anything to get an advantage.

It really galled A.J. when some sports talk show hosts were intimating that he was taking performance enhancing drugs last year since he was putting up big numbers at age 35. He may be difficult, but he is a baseball purist and it just doesn’t fit what we know about him.

Here are some of the things A.J. will be remembered for during his tenure with the Sox:

Game 2 of the ALCS against the Angels: A.J. claimed first base after a dropped third strike from Josh Paul when the LA catcher rolled the ball to the mound. Although Pierzynski was the focus of the play, he took advantage of an opportunity that any player would. (And then Pablo Ozuna came in as a pinch runner for Pierzynski and scored the game winning run.)
The famous Cubs-Sox game when A.J. came home from third on a sacrifice fly, knocked catcher Michael Barrett down, slapped home plate and then was punched in the face by Barrett. He loved it and so did the fans on both side of town.
Pierzynski caught Mark Buerhle's first no hitter and last year's perfect game by Phillip Humber.
He was a vote-in All-Star in 2006 after the White Sox had a campaign to "Punch A.J."
It was A.J., Joe Crede and Aaron Rowand that came up with the Journey song "Don't Stop Believing" as the theme for 2005 — they heard it in a bar together.
There are other aspects about his career here of annoying pitchers (his own) and managers/coaches. When Ozzie Guillen managed him he called A.J. a pain. But he was good for the team.
A.J. helped a Sox pitching staff win a World Series. Don’t underestimate how much he did behind the plate to help that team accomplish a feat that had not been seen in decades in Chicago.

And one last story about the now former Sox catcher:

Last fall, back-up (and now presumed starting) catcher Tyler Flowers was in a bind. His wife left a message that she was in labor and the White Sox were on the road in Baltimore. It was 11 p.m. after a game and Flowers knew he was too late to catch a flight to get back to Chicago for the birth of his first child. A.J. heard about Tyler’s plight and quickly went into action; he got Adam Dunn, Jake Peavy and Paul Konerko to contribute to a private flight. Flowers told me that Pierzynski didn’t want Tyler to miss this event. It enabled the younger Sox catcher to be at the hospital for the arrival of his daughter Mia.

Now it looks like the White Sox will turn the catching duties to Tyler Flowers, if he was observant, he learned a thing or two from Anthony John Pierzynski. It wasn’t all bad.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Dear Santa: Please help Chicago sports teams this Christmas

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:00:00 -0600

Children are not the only ones hoping Santa Claus can bring them all the items on their wish-list. Sports teams have compiled a list that they hope the jolly old man may put under their Christmas tree. OK, maybe they don't have a list, but here is what I think they want — it’s not sugar plums and candy canes.

The Bears, and specifically Head Coach Lovie Smith, have a long list of wishes. A playoff berth is top on the list in big bold letters. Smith’s future here as the Bears head coach may be tied into a postseason appearance. Winning the last two games and loses by other teams may get them in the playoffs (lots of work for Santa). General Manager Phil Emery must have plenty of wishes, too. High on his list are numerous offensive linemen, a wide receiver and a sure-handed tight end. Basically he's dealing with the personal that former GM Jerry Angelo left for him.

It's not hard to figure out what the Cubs would love to get: wins — lots and lots of wins. It is probably on top of every Cubs fan's list, too. Team President Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer have been filling out the roster with some free agents: Scott Baker, Scott Feldman and Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa. Face it: The Cubs are going to be a struggle this year maybe the next, so wins may be on the team’s wish list for a few holiday seasons. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts may have something bigger on his mind: a plan for renovations for Wrigley Field. Is it time for Mayor Rahm Emmanuel to stop being a Grinch and start getting down to business at Clark and Addison?

On the South side, the White Sox wish is for fans over two million strong to move the turnstile this year. It would be nice since attendance has been on a decline for the past few years. Last season the Sox were in first place in the AL Central most of the year, but were one of the worst teams in baseball in fan attendance. With reduced ticket pricing and other fan-friendly deals ($10 parking on Sundays) maybe the numbers will improve; they also have to be competitive again on the field. Winning the American League Central would be a real present.

It is not hard to figure out what the Bulls want to see under their Christmas tree: a full-strength and fully recovered Derrick Rose. That may be a tall order for Santa to handle. No one knows for sure when that will happen. So, maybe a trip to the All-Star game for Joakim Noah would be a nice gift. Fans can help Jolly St. Nick by stuffing the All-Star ballot box — put votes in for Luol Deng, too. Another wish would be acquiring another major star player to complement Rose’s return. Now that’s a big wish.

The Blackhawks and their fans have one wish: a season.

Santa’s magic has to extend at least another week to make a special News Year’s Day for the Northern Illinois Huskies. They want to upset the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange Bowl in Miami. On that same day, Northwestern University head coach Pat Fitzgerald would love to snap the Wildcats bowl losing streak at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville Florida (NU is facing Mississippi State).

Keeping the win column filled with victories is the hope of the Illini basketball team; they got a nice present when they hired John Groce to coach the team.

DePaul, Loyola, Northwestern and UIC (men’s and women’s teams) are all hoping they get wins on the hard court floor to fill their stockings (and maybe some front-line recruits).

It would be great if Santa gave Northwestern’s women’s lacrosse team another NCAA Championship and let the Chicago Sky finally compete in the WNBA playoffs.

Of course, there will be coal put in at least a couple of stockings…the NHL's and Lance Armstrong's.

Whatever you celebrate, may I wish each and every one of you a Happy holiday season! Hope those going through tough times will find comfort and may your hopes and dreams come true. I still believe!

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye-Stout #AtTheGame.

White Sox retain Peavy and Floyd, not Youkilis and Myers

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:13:00 -0500

It didn’t take long for new White Sox GM Rick Hahn to get some needed work done for the 2013 team. The biggest news is right-hand pitcher Jake Peavy and the team agreed to a two year contract extension worth $29 million. A third option year is worth $15 million, if Peavy pitches a certain amount of innings. The Sox starter will also get the $4 million dollar buyout from his present contract; it will be spread between 2016 -2019.

“Early on in this process, Jake expressed his strong desire to remain with the White Sox,” says Hahn, “We’re happy to reach a deal that keeps him at the top end of our rotation and his influence in our clubhouse for at least the next two years.”

Last season, 31-year-old Peavy had a come-back year after a tough injury. He made the All-star team and went 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA.

His win total would have been more if he had better run support.

“I’m really excited to come back to Chicago and build on what we did last year,” Peavy said. “I made no secret of the fact that this is where I want to play.”

Another pitcher back in the fold for the next season is Gavin Floyd. The Sox picked up his $9.5 million contract for 2013. He was 12-11 with a 4.29 ERA. He battled elbow soreness a number of times during last season. Bench coach Mark Parent found a flaw in his mechanics that improved Floyd's delivery.

Meanwhile, Hahn has declined offers on two players the White Sox had acquired during the playoff hunt, third baseman Kevin Youkilis and relief pitcher Brett Myers. The Sox bought out Youkilis for $1 million, his option was for $13 million and Myers had a $3 million buyout on his $10 million contract.

Youkilis did provide some initial offensive help coming from Boston, but he was not a factor down the stretch. Myers helped stabilize the bullpen, but not enough for the Sox to pick up his option.

There is still one player that there is a large question mark, catcher AJ Pierzynski. He filed for free agency and can listen to deals starting on Saturday.

The White Sox can still negotiate deals with any of these free agents, but it becomes more difficult. It seems unlikely that they will be with the Southsiders next season.

What's next for Ozzie Guillen?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:00:00 -0500

For the record, I always liked Ozzie Guillen. The former Sox manager would say ridiculous, even crazy things, but I took that as a sign of his insecurities rather than a sign of malice. But I know that for others, mentioning the name Ozzie Guillen in conversation is like throwing a hand grenade.

It's a real factor for the recently-fired Miami Marlins manager, who is out of work and is now looking for a new job. Or maybe he won't look for a new gig: Even though he's been let go, by the terms of his contract Ozzie will still collect over $7 million for the next three years.

But if Ozzie did want to work in Major League Baseball again, would he have any chance of finding employment within the sport he loves second only to his family? Does this colorful, always controversial Venezuelan have any lifelines left with the league that sometimes loves him and sometimes hates him?

Let's look at the pros and cons of bringing Ozzie back to an MLB dugout:

Pros

Guillen garners attention on many levels. If a team is looking for a "name" manager, he could be it.
He's baseball smart. Ozzie absolutely has the credentials if a team wants to take a chance on him.
The man won a 2005 World Series with the White Sox.

There is no way, at this point, that a team would make Ozzie a position coach. Guillen was a coach for the Expos and Marlins before he became manager for the White Sox, so that train has left the station. Now that he's been the "top dog" his personality would not mesh well in a subordinate at this point — unless he was severely humbled by his dismissal. That is unlikely the case right now.

Cons

Guillen brings a lot of baggage. In fact, Ozzie is his own worst enemy. When a manager openly feuds with his boss . . . how many general managers want to take a chance on that? Being fired again doesn't help, but parting ways with the White Sox probably caused more perception problems for Ozzie than losing the Miami job; the Marlins ownership and management is in disarray, while the White Sox have a more consistent, stable organization. Ozzie's very public, very contentious relationship with White Sox GM Ken Williams resonates with other teams, particularly after the Sox selected "Ozzie opposite" Robin Ventura to replace him. Williams is not completely exonerated from the clashes he had with Guillen, but perception — right or wrong — has fallen negatively on the former Sox manager.

And oh yeah — Guillen's controversial views on Cuba's Fidel Castro caused a firestorm and the Marlins had an awful season.

If managing isn't in the cards for Ozzie but he still wants to be in baseball, there seems to be one logical and (maybe crazy) alternative: the broadcast booth. Ozzie is high energy and would attract viewers or listeners wondering what he would say — and how he would say it. If your team broadcasts need sprucing up, Ozzie could be an interesting, “out of the box” choice (or out of your mind). Maybe he could even land at ESPN Deportes, the network's Spanish language arm. You'd have to keep a finger over the seven-second delay button, though. . . .

It's too bad the Cubs wouldn’t take a chance on Ozzie. That may be too insane — but can you imagine how crazy it would be, in a good way? If Ozzie does remain unemployed during the 2013 season, don’t be surprised if you see him at Wrigley; he makes his home in Chicago and he loves the park. He was supposed to return to U.S. Cellular when the Sox host the Marlins next season. It's hard to believe Guillen would spend any time there, but you never know. Stranger things have happened — and that would be strange indeed.

It will be interesting to see what happens. At the end of the day, it seems that Ozzie needs baseball. And in some ways, baseball needs Guillen.

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