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Yesterday, Bobby Jenks blew his second game in four games. His ERA is now up to 5.09 and his WHIP is at 1.585.  White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen reported that he will be going with a closer by committee with Matt Thornton and JJ Putz expected to receive the majority of the save opportunities.

So, what has happened to Bobby Jenks in his blown games this season?

May 9 @ Toronto Blue Jays

0.0 IP / 3 Runs / 4 Hits / 1 HR / 0 Walks / 0 Ks

The White Sox came into the top of the 9th inning, up 5-7. Jenks was set to face the 8-9-1 hitters for the Toronto Blue Jays. On Jenks’ first offering, Travis Snider (105 career OPS+) hit a Ground-rule double to left center. Joe Buck (89 OPS+) followed with a single to right to put runners at first and third with 0 outs. Fred Lewis (105 OPS+) then hit a 3 run home run to give the Blue Jays a 8-7 lead. Jenks would face one more batter and give up another single to Aaron Hill (99 OPS+). (more…)

This is a repost of a story I wrote at South Side Sox.

On Saturday, Alex Rios stole a base and hit another home run.  That brings his season totals (thru 40 games) to 8 home runs and 13 stolen bases.  So far, 2010 has been a stark contrast to the 2009 version of Rios thatWhite Sox fans saw.  In 41 games for Chicago last year, Rios hit 3 home runs and had 5 stolen bases.  He also had an OPS of .530.  This year? .912 OPS.

Obviously, most of you are already aware of this.  You are also aware of the fact that he plays Center Field and is very good at it.  All of these are reasons to get excited about Alex Rios.  Need a reason to get even more excited?  I can’t think of the last White Sox player with the skill set of Rios.

I know projections can be silly, but Rios is on pace for 32 home runs and 52 stolen bases.  I can’t remember ever watching a player in this franchise that has that combination of Power and Speed, can you?  Luckily, we have Bill James’ Power/Speed formula that we can use to compare Rios 2010 projections to previous White Sox players. (more…)

The Chicago White Sox open up their season tomorrow at home against the Cleveland Indians. Even though they were under .500 last year, they are expected to compete with the Twins in the AL Central. If you havent followed the offseason, the following is a comparison between this year’s opening day roster and last year’s.

Three Up

• Gordon Beckham:  As a rookie last year, Beckham put up an OPS over .800 playing out of position at third base.  This season he’s being moved to Second Base, where he’ll probably remain for the rest of his career.  He was only 22 last year and should continue to improve on last year’s numbers.  If he’s not an all star this season, he will be shortly.
• Starting Rotation: With the addition of Jake Peavy at the deadline last year, the White Sox have, arguably, the best rotation in baseball.  Mark Buehrle will the opening day starter and be followed up with Peavy, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Freddy Garcia.  Freddy Garcia is the obviously the weakest link, but he should keep the 5th starter seat warm long enough for Daniel Hudson.  If they do make the playoffs, this rotation will make them dangerous.
• Team Speed: Since opening day of last year, the White Sox have added Alexis Rios, Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones, Mark Teahen & Omar Vizquel.  That group of players will bring more speed to the basepaths and potentially 80-90 stolen bases.

(more…)