It was a beautiful day for baseball yesterday out at Camelback Ranch which, while not completely finished, is a very nice facility. The White Sox came out for their morning workout onto one of the minor league fields.
The starting line-up for the Sox looked like it probably will on opening day. Chris Getz, who was just named as a starter, at second. Josh Fields started at third, Brian Anderson in right field, Dewayne Wise was patrolling center field, and the recently moved Alexei Ramirez at shortstop. The remaining positions had the usual names, Konerko, Pierzynski, and Quentin. As I continued to watch warm-ups I was pleased to see that Mark Buehrle was getting loose. He looked okay, with good speed on the ball and looked comfortable in his motion.
Once the game began Buehrle started off striking out Alfonso Soriano. It looked like he was going to be pitching at his normal faster than normal tempo. Unfortunately, after the first two scoreless innings it appeared that Buehrle started to lose pitch location control. At first I thought that Ozzie would have pulled him out after a three run third inning. Then again this was not Buehrle’s first time to be in this type of situation. Once Ozzie decided to take Buehrle out he marched out quite the buffet of pitchers out of the bullpen. It began with Jack Egbert then Scott Linebrink. Rounding off with Randy Williams, Lance Broadway, and finally Mike MacDougal.
It has been a hot topic who will be the opening day starter at third base. During warm-ups and batting practice Josh Fields was taking a good deal of fielding practice. Even if the hitter did not hit it in his direction coach Joey Cora would still hit him one. Is the theory here that he requires more practice? I understand that this spring training and warm-ups but I still am not sold on Fields starting at third base. These feelings were confirmed when he took the field against the Cubs. Fields appeared to lack a degree of confidence. This was evident in his two fielding errors or his choice to double clutch on a throw over to first. This runner on first started off the scoring in the third inning.
I did like what I saw overall from the Sox. The pitching staff still needs some work but there is still enough time left to fix the little things. Their hitting was decent but they have to stop leaving men on base. Fielding needs to get up to speed. Yes, this is just spring training however, if they continue at half-speed I am afraid that they will go into the season at half-speed.
Editor’s note: Here are a couple of pictures taken by Bill at White Sox Spring Training in Glendale:
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