advertisement

Sox losing streak hits 7

Here is the bad news: The White Sox are riding a seven-game losing streak after falling to the Cleveland Indians 8-6 in 10 innings Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

Zach Walters' 2-run shot off reliever Jake Petricka in the 10th stuck the Sox with their 14th loss in 18 games.

As for the good news, general manager Rick Hahn isn't blind. He made wholesale changes during and after last season's 99-loss disaster, and he plans on making more moves in advance of the 2015 season.

"That's absolutely our intent," Hahn said. "That is absolutely our intent. We obviously can't guarantee we're going to be able to make 'X' number of moves and we're going to be able to hit on as high a percentage of our targets as we did last year, but it's certainly our goal to address ideally all of what we feel are our needs, before they shift, as quickly as possible.

"It has never been about, 'Hey, we got two things done, so we're good.' The fact of the matter is we didn't get everything done last offseason, and we look forward to the chance coming up in the coming weeks where we're able to get a little more aggressive in pursuing some answers out there."

Hahn made a waiver trade last week, sending second baseman Gordon Beckham to the Los Angeles Angels. He still could move a player such as Adam Dunn, John Danks, Dayan Viciedo or Alejandro De Aza before Sept. 1.

Rodon nearly ready?

Sox GM Rick Hahn was on hand to see prized pitching prospect Carlos Rodon make his second start for Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday, and the left-hander had 8 strikeouts while allowing 1 run on 1 hit in 4 innings against Norfolk.

"He threw the ball real well," Hahn said. "He actually got better as the game went on. It was another impressive outing. This is a talented, talented young man."

Center fielder Adam Eaton played two rehab games with Charlotte over the weekend before rejoining the Sox on Tuesday.

"He's great," Eaton said of Rodon. "Good stuff, competes his butt off. I talked to him quite a bit about the game and talking the game out with him. It seems like he has a very good understanding of what he needs to do."

After his next start, Rodon is likely to join the White Sox and pitch out of the bullpen when rosters expand in September.

Local heroes:

There still is plenty of buzz surrounding Jackie Robinson West, which advanced to the Little League World Series championship game Sunday before falling to South Korea. JRW will be honored with a parade Wednesday morning, and one of the six stops is scheduled for U.S. Cellular Field.

No official announcement has yet been made, but the White Sox are planning to honor the wildly popular South Side team Saturday at the Cell.

"They did a great job," manager Robin Ventura said. "You're playing with your best friends that you grew up with. That's the special part of it. To be able to win the U.S. Championship is special as well."

Fall ball:

The Sox are sending seven players to the Glendale Desert Dogs to compete in the Arizona Fall League, highlighted by shortstop Tim Anderson and hard-throwing pitcher Frank Montas.

Anderson (fractured wrist) and Montas (knees) have had long layoffs this season, so they should benefit from playing against top competition in the AFL.

"They both missed time, so it's good to get them additional reps, especially Montas who had two setbacks, one with each knee, but is now knock-on-wood healthy," GM Rick Hahn said.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.