End-of-the-Season Letter to My White Sox
The 2009 White Sox season is over. The Sox finished the season at 79-83. But like I did last year, I'm writing my end-of-the-season letter to the White Sox. Enjoy, bloggers.
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Dear 2009 White Sox,
My letter to you last season started off full of worries about players coming back and/or leaving the 2008 team. But as we all know, 2008 was a pretty good season. We made the playoffs, which is always a goal. After losing in the ALDS, we all started prepping for the 2009 season.
At the end of October, Joe Crede and Juan Uribe filed for free agency. I wanted Joe back. I felt like this team needed him back, even though his back started causing problems that the team didn't really want to deal with. But I knew there wouldn't be an offer made. Partly because of the back problems, but mostly because of Joe's agent, Scott Boras. Sox fans know how Jerry Reinsdorf feels about Boras, so it was unlikely Joe would come back. Part of me was OK with Uribe leaving. Not that I didn't appreciate what Juan did with this club, because I did. But 2008 was only a so-so year for Juan. Eventually in the off-season, Juan signed with the Giants. The Giants are my NL team of choice, so I was happy to see a former player on my other favorite team. But it was Joe's arrival in Minnesota that hurt my heart in ways I can't explain. But I knew you would work through it, White Sox.
Also at the end of October, you declined the options of Ken Griffey, Jr. and Toby Hall. I understood why you didn't keep Griffey. I love him and I always have because he's a great guy. One of the best in baseball. While it would have been great to have him on the team again, I understand that there were other options we had. I was disappointed that you didn't keep Toby. He was such a great guy, and for a backup catcher, he wasn't bad at all. But I always trust Kenny Williams, even if I don't understand the moves he makes.
With those four guys leaving, I was wondering what was gonna happen with this team. Guys called up from the minors? Signing free agents? Then you announced you had signed Jayson Nix, a Minor Leaguer from the Rockies organization. I wasn't sure what to make of this signing, but I went with it. With Uribe and Crede gone, we needed some infielders. And if Jayson couldn't cut it, he could stay in the minors.
Then Orlando Cabrera filed for free agency. We offered him arbitration which he declined, so we got some draft picks in return. That was cool considering I had made it known that I really wasn't a fan of Cabrera. Yeah, he's a decent player, but his personality irritated me immensely. I can deal with pr*cks and *ssholes; many consider my favorite player to be both of those. But there was something about Cabrera that was more than that. So I was glad he left.
In the middle of November, you sent Nick Swisher to the Yankees for Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez, and Jhonny Nunez. The outfield was pretty much overfilled, so sending Swish away was probably best for both parties. Swish was fun, yes. But he kinda sucked in 2008, and there was no way of knowing whether he would bounce back or keep sucking. Turns out, he bounced back a bit, but I think you were better off without him.
You then announced that you signed Dayan Viciedo from Cuba and gave both Dewayne Wise and Wilson Betemit contracts. And you also announced something that pleased me: Javy Vazquez was sent to the Braves with Boone Logan for Tyler Flowers, Brent Lillibridge, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez. I was never a Javy fan because he was good when you were bad, and he was bad when you were good. I didn't want that anymore. You also announced you signed Bartolo Colon to a one-year deal. That confused me because I didn't hear good things about him since his Cy Young season. But I still trusted Kenny.
The World Baseball Classic came around. Several of you guys were invited. Many of you turned down the invitation. Matt Thornton went, and he was still highly effective. Both John Danks and Carlos Quentin declined the invitation, stating their obligations were to the White Sox first.
Spring training was battle after battle for Sox players. Second base, center field. Eventually decisions were made, and the season began. I wrote you guys an epic Opening Day blog. It may be one of my favorite blogs I've written. April and May worried me a little bit. You guys didn't play suuuper well, and after two months, you had a 24-25 record. But things couldn't stay bad for long, could they? You brought back one of my favorites from the 2005 championship team: Scott Podsednik. Pods brought a spark in May that we sorely needed.
In June and July, you went 29-25, but you stayed near the top of the division, fighting with the Tigers and Twins. For a while, it looked like you could take the division. In June, Gordon Beckham made his debut. And one of the greatest days in my sporting life occurred on July 23 when Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game. Dewayne Wise and that catch...wow. But things started slumping after the perfecto.
You finished the season, August through October, 26-32. This is when the bandwagon fan would have run screaming. This is when new fans might stop watching games. This was the beginning of the end. But I stayed. I stayed through all 162 games, no matter how excruciating they may have been. Because you are my team, no matter what. You may make me angry sometimes, but I always come back because there is always some point I can look to in the season that alleviates that anger.
I can look to highlights from early in the season. Like April 13. At 12:23pm CT, Jermaine Dye hit his 300th career home run. At 12:26pm CT, Paul Konerko hit his 300th career home run. This was the first time in Major League history that teammates reached a century mark of 300+ home runs in the same game. How can I not look back at that and smile? Later in the season, Jim Thome hit his 550th career home run. Then we had rookies hitting homers. Jayson Nix, Chris Getz, and Gordon Beckham each hit their first career home run. Even Mark Buehrle hit his first career home run!
Then you brought back my Scottie Pods and brought up Gordon Beckham, both providing something that we needed. Beckham has been in consideration for AL Rookie of the Year, and Pods brought back what we loved in 2005 with his wheels on the base paths. Both of these guys proved to be incredibly valuable, and Pods was better than we expected. Eventually you brought Freddy Garcia back, and he did better than expected as well. The end of July marked the trade deadline. Lo and behold, you come away with Jake Peavy. After the deadline, you claimed Alex Rios off waivers. Two additions to the team that will greatly help us in 2010.
I have to have an entire paragraph devoted to my favorite: AJ Pierzynski. On April 29, he hit his 100th career home run, and he finished the season with a .300 batting average. He is the first White Sox catcher to end the season with a .300-or-higher batting average. AJ has truly gotten better this season, and although he'll be 33 in December, I don't see him on a decline for a while. Congrats on a great season, AJ!
But my dearest White Sox, you provided me with the second greatest thing in Major League Baseball this season. The greatest thing is a World Series championship. While you fell short of that, you gave me July 23. That was the second greatest day in my baseball life...second to October 26, 2005 when you won the World Series. You gave me Mark Buehrle and his perfect game. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it live because I was moving back to Chicago, but thanks to MLB.TV, I got to see the wonder that was a perfect game. When I watched the game in a hotel room that night, I cried. I was so happy to see Josh Fields hit a grand slam, I was so happy to see Dewayne Wise's catch, and I was so happy to see Mark and the team so happy. That game was the highlight of a relatively mediocre season.
Despite the fact that the season was less than stellar, there are many positives I see for you, dear White Sox. Jake Peavy will be here for several seasons. As will Alex Rios. Gordon Beckham and Chris Getz are phenomenal. John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and Mark Buehrle are epic. And today you picked up the options of Freddy Garcia and Matt Thornton. Carlos Quentin is getting back on track after his bout with plantar fasciitis. There are so many pieces in place that I know we'll be a threat for years to come. I wonder what will happen with Jermaine Dye and Scott Podsednik in the offseason. Lord knows I want them to come back, but Kenny Williams knows what is best for this team. I trust him implicitly.
My White Sox, you give me a reason to look forward to the future, even after a season no one really enjoyed. Opening Day 2010 is 181 days away. While I won't dwell on how many days away it is because it makes the time pass more slowly, I know there are good things in store for you. I know you'll make the appropriate moves to complete this team.
Thank you for the memories, and I can't wait to see what memories you'll have in store for me next year.
Always and forever a fan,
Jen
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Postseason Goodness
Today was the AL Central tiebreaker. I don't need to recap...I'm sure you watched. The Twins took it in 12 innings. Meaning I can give you my divisional picks! WOO!
NLDS: Colorado vs. Philadelphia
My heart says Colorado, but my head doesn't really know. The Phillies are the defending champs, but that doesn't mean squat. The Rockies have been hot as of late, so they could shock people who may possibly be counting them out.
Rockies in 5
NLDS: St. Louis vs. Los Angeles
My heart says St. Louis. So does my head. The Cards have done really well against the Dodgers this season. Both teams have slumped a little in the final weeks of the season, but the Dodgers have slumped more, I think.
Cardinals in 4
ALDS: Red Sox vs. Angels
Honestly, I'm not a fan of either team. Both teams are really good and play really well. Since it could go either way, I think this series will take five games.
Angels in 5
ALDS: Twins vs. Yankees
You fought hard tonight, Twins. But I think you're getting swept. Sorry.
Yankees in 3
Photo credits: art.com; AP; Getty images; AP; unknown; Rachel Hassard on my camera
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear 2009 White Sox,
My letter to you last season started off full of worries about players coming back and/or leaving the 2008 team. But as we all know, 2008 was a pretty good season. We made the playoffs, which is always a goal. After losing in the ALDS, we all started prepping for the 2009 season.
At the end of October, Joe Crede and Juan Uribe filed for free agency. I wanted Joe back. I felt like this team needed him back, even though his back started causing problems that the team didn't really want to deal with. But I knew there wouldn't be an offer made. Partly because of the back problems, but mostly because of Joe's agent, Scott Boras. Sox fans know how Jerry Reinsdorf feels about Boras, so it was unlikely Joe would come back. Part of me was OK with Uribe leaving. Not that I didn't appreciate what Juan did with this club, because I did. But 2008 was only a so-so year for Juan. Eventually in the off-season, Juan signed with the Giants. The Giants are my NL team of choice, so I was happy to see a former player on my other favorite team. But it was Joe's arrival in Minnesota that hurt my heart in ways I can't explain. But I knew you would work through it, White Sox.Also at the end of October, you declined the options of Ken Griffey, Jr. and Toby Hall. I understood why you didn't keep Griffey. I love him and I always have because he's a great guy. One of the best in baseball. While it would have been great to have him on the team again, I understand that there were other options we had. I was disappointed that you didn't keep Toby. He was such a great guy, and for a backup catcher, he wasn't bad at all. But I always trust Kenny Williams, even if I don't understand the moves he makes.
With those four guys leaving, I was wondering what was gonna happen with this team. Guys called up from the minors? Signing free agents? Then you announced you had signed Jayson Nix, a Minor Leaguer from the Rockies organization. I wasn't sure what to make of this signing, but I went with it. With Uribe and Crede gone, we needed some infielders. And if Jayson couldn't cut it, he could stay in the minors.Then Orlando Cabrera filed for free agency. We offered him arbitration which he declined, so we got some draft picks in return. That was cool considering I had made it known that I really wasn't a fan of Cabrera. Yeah, he's a decent player, but his personality irritated me immensely. I can deal with pr*cks and *ssholes; many consider my favorite player to be both of those. But there was something about Cabrera that was more than that. So I was glad he left.
In the middle of November, you sent Nick Swisher to the Yankees for Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez, and Jhonny Nunez. The outfield was pretty much overfilled, so sending Swish away was probably best for both parties. Swish was fun, yes. But he kinda sucked in 2008, and there was no way of knowing whether he would bounce back or keep sucking. Turns out, he bounced back a bit, but I think you were better off without him.
You then announced that you signed Dayan Viciedo from Cuba and gave both Dewayne Wise and Wilson Betemit contracts. And you also announced something that pleased me: Javy Vazquez was sent to the Braves with Boone Logan for Tyler Flowers, Brent Lillibridge, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez. I was never a Javy fan because he was good when you were bad, and he was bad when you were good. I didn't want that anymore. You also announced you signed Bartolo Colon to a one-year deal. That confused me because I didn't hear good things about him since his Cy Young season. But I still trusted Kenny.
The World Baseball Classic came around. Several of you guys were invited. Many of you turned down the invitation. Matt Thornton went, and he was still highly effective. Both John Danks and Carlos Quentin declined the invitation, stating their obligations were to the White Sox first.Spring training was battle after battle for Sox players. Second base, center field. Eventually decisions were made, and the season began. I wrote you guys an epic Opening Day blog. It may be one of my favorite blogs I've written. April and May worried me a little bit. You guys didn't play suuuper well, and after two months, you had a 24-25 record. But things couldn't stay bad for long, could they? You brought back one of my favorites from the 2005 championship team: Scott Podsednik. Pods brought a spark in May that we sorely needed.
In June and July, you went 29-25, but you stayed near the top of the division, fighting with the Tigers and Twins. For a while, it looked like you could take the division. In June, Gordon Beckham made his debut. And one of the greatest days in my sporting life occurred on July 23 when Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game. Dewayne Wise and that catch...wow. But things started slumping after the perfecto.
You finished the season, August through October, 26-32. This is when the bandwagon fan would have run screaming. This is when new fans might stop watching games. This was the beginning of the end. But I stayed. I stayed through all 162 games, no matter how excruciating they may have been. Because you are my team, no matter what. You may make me angry sometimes, but I always come back because there is always some point I can look to in the season that alleviates that anger.
I can look to highlights from early in the season. Like April 13. At 12:23pm CT, Jermaine Dye hit his 300th career home run. At 12:26pm CT, Paul Konerko hit his 300th career home run. This was the first time in Major League history that teammates reached a century mark of 300+ home runs in the same game. How can I not look back at that and smile? Later in the season, Jim Thome hit his 550th career home run. Then we had rookies hitting homers. Jayson Nix, Chris Getz, and Gordon Beckham each hit their first career home run. Even Mark Buehrle hit his first career home run!Then you brought back my Scottie Pods and brought up Gordon Beckham, both providing something that we needed. Beckham has been in consideration for AL Rookie of the Year, and Pods brought back what we loved in 2005 with his wheels on the base paths. Both of these guys proved to be incredibly valuable, and Pods was better than we expected. Eventually you brought Freddy Garcia back, and he did better than expected as well. The end of July marked the trade deadline. Lo and behold, you come away with Jake Peavy. After the deadline, you claimed Alex Rios off waivers. Two additions to the team that will greatly help us in 2010.
I have to have an entire paragraph devoted to my favorite: AJ Pierzynski. On April 29, he hit his 100th career home run, and he finished the season with a .300 batting average. He is the first White Sox catcher to end the season with a .300-or-higher batting average. AJ has truly gotten better this season, and although he'll be 33 in December, I don't see him on a decline for a while. Congrats on a great season, AJ!But my dearest White Sox, you provided me with the second greatest thing in Major League Baseball this season. The greatest thing is a World Series championship. While you fell short of that, you gave me July 23. That was the second greatest day in my baseball life...second to October 26, 2005 when you won the World Series. You gave me Mark Buehrle and his perfect game. Unfortunately I didn't get to see it live because I was moving back to Chicago, but thanks to MLB.TV, I got to see the wonder that was a perfect game. When I watched the game in a hotel room that night, I cried. I was so happy to see Josh Fields hit a grand slam, I was so happy to see Dewayne Wise's catch, and I was so happy to see Mark and the team so happy. That game was the highlight of a relatively mediocre season.
Despite the fact that the season was less than stellar, there are many positives I see for you, dear White Sox. Jake Peavy will be here for several seasons. As will Alex Rios. Gordon Beckham and Chris Getz are phenomenal. John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and Mark Buehrle are epic. And today you picked up the options of Freddy Garcia and Matt Thornton. Carlos Quentin is getting back on track after his bout with plantar fasciitis. There are so many pieces in place that I know we'll be a threat for years to come. I wonder what will happen with Jermaine Dye and Scott Podsednik in the offseason. Lord knows I want them to come back, but Kenny Williams knows what is best for this team. I trust him implicitly.
My White Sox, you give me a reason to look forward to the future, even after a season no one really enjoyed. Opening Day 2010 is 181 days away. While I won't dwell on how many days away it is because it makes the time pass more slowly, I know there are good things in store for you. I know you'll make the appropriate moves to complete this team.
Thank you for the memories, and I can't wait to see what memories you'll have in store for me next year.
Always and forever a fan,
Jen
---------------------------------------------------------------Postseason Goodness
Today was the AL Central tiebreaker. I don't need to recap...I'm sure you watched. The Twins took it in 12 innings. Meaning I can give you my divisional picks! WOO!
NLDS: Colorado vs. Philadelphia
My heart says Colorado, but my head doesn't really know. The Phillies are the defending champs, but that doesn't mean squat. The Rockies have been hot as of late, so they could shock people who may possibly be counting them out.
Rockies in 5
NLDS: St. Louis vs. Los Angeles
My heart says St. Louis. So does my head. The Cards have done really well against the Dodgers this season. Both teams have slumped a little in the final weeks of the season, but the Dodgers have slumped more, I think.
Cardinals in 4
ALDS: Red Sox vs. Angels
Honestly, I'm not a fan of either team. Both teams are really good and play really well. Since it could go either way, I think this series will take five games.
Angels in 5
ALDS: Twins vs. Yankees
You fought hard tonight, Twins. But I think you're getting swept. Sorry.
Yankees in 3
Photo credits: art.com; AP; Getty images; AP; unknown; Rachel Hassard on my camera
I guess I should thank the White Sox, too. You guys could've just tanked it against Detroit. There was no reason to send Jake Peavy out there, there wasn't anything to play for (By the way, can we borrow him for the postseason? I promise we'll bring him back). So, thanks for beating Detroit all those times and giving us the chance to win the division.
By the way, it looks like the Sox are going to have the best starting rotation in the Central next year. If they could just find another bat or two, they'd be really dangerous.
-Erin
http://plunking-gomez.blogspot.com
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Great letter Jen! I miss Jake like crazy but Clayton did a great job in San Diego throughout the season when he came here. I say this is a win-win between the Padres and the White Sox.
http://hyunyoung.mlblogs.com
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Great letter! Miss you Jake :( But Hyun Young's right, the players we got back did very very well for us. In fact, I think that's what I'll blog about today! Thanks for the inspiration :)
http://kaybee.mlblogs.com
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I wish I could write a letter half as well as you do, you nailed it!! : ) If you attended every game, I am sure AJ would have .1000 batting average. Keep up the great blogging Jenn, we love you here.
Ted
http://tribewithted.mlblogs.com/
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Hope your Cardinals prediction comes true... so far, not so good. What a nice heartfelt letter to your dear Sox! I'm a fan myself... I look forward to what the young guns will bring next year... so much potential!
--Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
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Great letter Jen! Your guys are lucky to have you as a fan!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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Erin - haha I guess Peavy wanted the starts, so you're welcome. :) I'm really looking forward to next season. I don't think I've ever wished for the offseason to go so fast in my life!
Hyunyoung - thank you! Clayton will definitely be good for you. I miss him already, but at least a team I like has him!
Kaybee - glad to be inspirational! Hahaha!
Ted - I'd die happy if I could attend every game! Hahaha! I'm glad you all like me enough to keep reading. :)
Jeff - OK, so the Cards messed up my prediction. You can take it in five!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! :) If any Sox player reads my heartfelt letter and comments, I might die happy.
Julia - awwww thanks! I can only hope one of them reads it.
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Great letter, hope someone somewhere in the Sox organization reads it and takes notes...not sure I like the prediction for the Rockies though...LOL
~peter
Outside the Phillies Looking In
http://devilabrit.mlblogs.com
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Jen,
Toby is actually a buddy of mine, and his shoulder rehab has been going fantastic. A lot of people thought he was the Houston Astros property because of that trade, but MLB voided the trade and made the White Sox medical staff do the needed work on Toby.
It did seem like a rough year for the South Side Boys to begin with, but near the end of the season with Alex Rios and Jake Peavy both coming onto the team, I think you got to see a great upgrade in both pitching and hitting. I have a feeling Rios will come into Spring Training with a new outlook and energy, which would be beneficial to the Sox.
Great letter, and just remember, even if 2009 might have been a step back, it is just as easy to take two steps forward in 2010.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
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Peter - I'd love it if someone in the Sox organization read my letter! That would be sweet! If my Rockies prediction is any consolation, I picked your Phillies to make it to the World Series. I forgot who I had winning, though. :)
Renegade - I'm soooooooo glad Toby's doing well. I loved having him here. I'm looking forward to next season already. If it could start tomorrow, I'd be thrilled. Knowing we have most of the pieces in place is awesome!
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OK, I'm really not too wild about that "Rockies in 5" prediction, but I do think it will go to 5 games. What a great letter about the Sox - I'm sure you'll be counting the days till next season.
Sue
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts
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I'm with Sue, but nice letter :O) You are a true fan!
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
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HELP! PRAY TO THE BASEBALL GODS HARDER!
--Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
http://mtrredstatebluestate.com
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Sue - I've been wrong with predictions before (like a couple of the other ones I made this season), but the Rox-Phils should be a great series nonetheless. And I'm totally counting the days till next season. :)
Jenn - thanks!
Jeff - I TRIED! :(
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Holy cow!!! Now that was a letter! I love seeing other fans that are passionate about the White Sox. I do love my White Sox, Dan I am, haha. Let's hope that next season proves to end better than this one. We have a lot of pieces in place for many years to come....just need to fill in the blanks. I am like you in that I trust Kenny and Ozzie. I just hope that both of those guys are here for a long time also. Have you any idea as to how long Kenny is under contract for?????
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Dan - glad you liked the letter! It's better than last year's, I think. :) According to Cot's Baseball Contracts (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-white-sox.html), Kenny's deal keeps rolling over every year. I'm not sure how that works exactly, but my guess is he's here until Jerry fires him. Hopefully he'll be around for a while and will keep making this team better and better!
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Hey Jen - the Latest Leader's List is out - with a twist - it covers the whole regular season - from 4/4-10/4 - can congrats! You are #16!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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I would never have thought that AJ was the first White Sox catcher to bat .300 in a season. I thought Fisk was the first. Congrats on making the top 100!
Bob, http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com
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