Comments on: Chicago White Sox: Ozzie Guillen Challenges Javier Vazquez

By: Pitcher Drafting Strategy and Rankings in 5x5 h2h League | Fantasy Baseball 101

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:57:23 +0000

[...] for my super sleeper candidate: Javier Vazquez. Whatever Ozzie and your leaguemates might say, you can snag Vazquez in the 14th round or later [...]

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[...] Javier Vazuez pitched decently in 2007, and very well in spurts early in 2008, his own manager questioned his readiness to pitch in big games. And, unfortunately for the Whie Sox down the stretch in 2008, Ozzie’s fears about [...]

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Tampa Bay Rays Beat Chicago White Sox in Game One | Evan Longoria HRs Twice — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:16:45 +0000

[...] course, he was facing Javier Vazquez, and we all know how well Javier Vazquez pitches in clutch [...]

By: Chicago White Sox - The Jim Thome Curse Must End

Chicago White Sox - The Jim Thome Curse Must End — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:21:01 +0000

[...] we sit 1-1/2 games up on Minnesota and despite last night’s terrible performance (thanks Mr. Clutch Javier Vazquez!) hold our destiny in our hands. And despite a very slow start, Jim Thome has picked it up and [...]

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By: Jerod Morris

Jerod Morris — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:39:57 +0000

I wholeheartedly agree with Ozzie’s strategy here. Honestly, I think he is trying to see exactly what he has in Javier Vazquez. He knows that Mark Buerhle has the stones to pitch in big games. Same thing with Bobby Jenks. Obviously John Danks and Gavin Floyd we won’t really know for sure about until we see them in the playoffs…but Danks’ start on Sunday has me impressed.

But what about Javy? How does Ozzie know he can count on him? The guy tanked in NY in the playoffs and has not stepped up in key moments while he’s been on the White Sox. Ozzie has to make tough decisions regarding his pitching rotation and he needs to know how Vazquez will respond. Putting extra pressure on him now, before the playoffs, when we have the cushion of a 2-1/2 game lead is brilliant. If he tanks, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ozzie do everything he can not to have to start him in the postseason. We’ll see. Obviously I hope Javy steps up big tomorrow…and in the playoffs.

I have to say, the playoffs is where we will really miss Jose Contreras. He’s pitched big innings and really would have given us a solid, experienced, playoff savvy 1-2 punch with Buerhle. We miss you Jose.

I still think the Sox drop two, win game 3 behind Buerhle, and then close out the AL Central at home against Cleveland. I hope I’m wrong and we sweep…and that would mean that Javy steps up to Ozzie’s challenge. Go Sox!