Buehrle credits luck to turnaround
Mark Buehrle has one word to describe his recent run of success.
"Luck,'' said the White Sox' ace starting pitcher.
A high level of skill has undoubtedly helped Buehrle go 3-0 with a 1.41 ERA over his last 4 starts, but that's not the way he's looking at it.
"I've been getting back to making my pitches, but I think it's more luck,'' said Buehrle, who starts against the Cubs tonight. "Early in the season, I didn't have much luck at all. It seemed like I was giving up a lot of bloop hits and then I'd miss my spot and give up a home run. Now, I'm getting outs when I miss my spots. I hope it continues.''
In 9 career starts against the Cubs, Buehrle is 3-4 with a 5.10 ERA.
"It's just another game, pretty much,'' Buehrle said. "The only real difference is I'd like to pitch good for the fans and it would be nice to help us get a sweep.''
Still struggling: There was a lot for White Sox fans to like in Saturday's win over the Cubs. Another ragged outing by Sox starter Javier Vazquez was not one of them.
"The last 4 or 5 starts for me haven't been the best,'' Vazquez said after throwing 105 pitches in just 4 innings while allowing 5 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks. "I've won two, but I haven't thrown my best. I think I've gone through rough patches like the one I'm going through right now. But the bottom line is we won't win games with me pitching like that. I've got to get better.''
Over his last 5 starts, Vazquez is 2-2 with a 7.48 ERA.
"I don't like the way Javy was throwing at all,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He was swimming against he current. He's been like that the last 4-5 outings, and we need to get better outings out of Javy. He's our ace, a guy we count on. He's behind a lot of hitters and not attacking the strike zone.''
Ramirez returns: Second baseman Alexei Ramirez was back in the Sox' starting lineup after missing Friday's game to be wife his wife Mildred, who gave birth to the couple's third child (Alexi).
Ramirez continued to make Juan Uribe look expendable, hitting a home run and doubling in 4 at-bats against the Cubs.
"Alexei's been playing great,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He makes our lineup stronger, he makes our lineup better. ''
In the swing: Paul Konerko took live batting practice on Saturday for the first time since landing on the disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle two weeks ago.
" I let it go and it felt good,'' Konerko said. "I hit the ball well.''
Konerko did have some pain due to scar tissue, which is normal. The Sox' first baseman is still hoping to play in two or three rehab games with Class AAA Charlotte starting Monday.
To clarify: Once again, manager Ozzie Guillen was asked before Saturday's game if he's aggravated by all of the attention heaped on the Cubs.
"We're not,'' Guillen said. "We sound like it, but like I say a lot of times, I think some people aren't fair with the White Sox organization. It's not aggravating. It's like, wow, we do a lot of great things here, not just winning the World Series. We do a lot of great stuff here and nobody gives Kenny (Williams) or Jerry (Reinsdorf) any credit. That's what ticked me off.''