Floyd continues to struggle in Sox 9-4 loss to Indians

Posted May 11, 2009 11:00 pm

Scot Gregor

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen complimented starting pitcher Gavin Floyd following Monday night's 9-4 loss at Cleveland - sort of.

"Gavin is more consistent than Jose (Contreras)," Guillen told reporters.

That's not saying much, considering Contreras (0-5, 8.19 ERA) was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte earlier in the day.

Truth be told, the Sox weren't expecting the aging Contreras to come out and contend for the Cy Young Award. But after winning 17 games last season, Floyd was expected to take an even bigger step up this year.

As he showed in another poor performance against the Indians, it hasn't happened yet.

Floyd (2-3) allowed 8 runs on 11 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings. In his last 4 starts, the right-hander is 0-2 with a 9.73 ERA.

"He's going through a tough time," Guillen said. "It's like I always say, I don't care how good you are. In the big leagues, if you don't throw strikes you're going to get killed. I think he was ball one to the first nine hitters in a row."

While throwing 107 pitches, Floyd allowed 2 runs in the first inning and 4 more in the fourth to put the Sox in a 6-0 hole.

The way the offense has been slumping, it looked like a lopsided beating was coming. To their credit, the White Sox (14-17) battled back against Cleveland (12-21) starter Carl Pavano and at least made the loss respectable.

Before the game, Guillen talked to his players and told them he didn't like what he saw on a 2-2 homestand, especially from the hitters.

"It's a good sign what I saw today from the offense," Guillen said. "Hopefully they continue to do that, not just one game."

No. 9 hitter Alexei Ramirez had a solid game, going 1-for-4 with 2 RBI. Another slumping hitter, Josh Fields, was 2-for-3 with an RBI out of the No. 8 spot.

Guillen is still waiting for the pitching and the hitting to click at the same time.

"We have to put it together," the Sox' manager said. "If your starting pitcher throws well, you have a chance to be in the game. We're not doing it right now."

Game tracker Monday's grade: C-. Just when the White Sox' offense shows a little life, it goes to waste thanks to another shaky start by Gavin Floyd. Not all bad: 2B Chris Getz was 0-for-5 and stranded five runners out of the leadoff spot, but he made three nice defensive plays. In and out: As expected, starting pitcher Jose Contreras was sent to Class AAA Charlotte before Monday's game. Left-handed reliever Jimmy Gobble was called up from Charlotte and promptly allowed 1 run on 2 hits in one-third of an inning. On tap: Clayton Richard starts vs. the Indians today. Mark Buehrle moves back a day and starts Wednesday.

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