What a ride so far — in White Sox' own words
It's the all-star break, the perfect time to reflect on the White Sox surprisingly successful first half.
And what better way to review the Sox' rise to first place in the AL Central than to let manager Robin Ventura and his players retell the story of a team picked by Sports Illustrated to lose 95 games this season.
That can still happen … if the White Sox go 20-57 in the second half.
Not likely, but we'll take a look at what already has happened instead of what lies ahead.
From Opening Day to the end of the first half, here's what the Sox were talking about:
Ÿ“We figured we were probably going to lose a game this year. You don't like losing, but we got some guys on late and just didn't get them in.” — Ventura after the White Sox went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and lost the April 6 season opener 3-2 at Texas.
Ÿ“If he throws his stuff over the plate, he's got as good of stuff as anybody. Inside, outside, slider, changeup. It's just a matter of him getting to harness it, and he's still young.” — Catcher A.J. Pierzynski on 23-year-old Chris Sale, who made his first major-league start April 9 at Cleveland and got the win after pitching 6 scoreless innings.
Ÿ“We committed early on in spring training to a kind of grind-it-out mentality. That's true, whether it be from the offensive side or the defensive work they put in.” — GM Kenny Williams on April 13 before Jake Peavy and the Sox beat the Tigers 5-2 in the home opener.
Ÿ“I'm just so happy. There are so many good things that are happening right now. This just adds to the list, and God is so good. I've got a little boy on the way and I just want to say hi to my wife who's home. I love you baby … this is for you.” — White Sox starter Philip Humber after pitching the 21st perfect game in major-league history April 21 at Seattle.
Ÿ“I didn't pitch well tonight. I stayed with my normal routine. It's been a bit more interviews and things like that and talking to more family members and friends, but I did my best to eliminate the distractions.” — Humber after his next start April 26, when he allowed 9 runs over 5 innings in a loss to the Boston Red Sox.
Ÿ“We're doing it because we feel it's best for him, his career and his health. It's the best way to keep him healthy and strong. Now we'll be trying to make him one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball, not just in the American League.” — White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper after Sale was moved from the rotation to the bullpen May 4.
Ÿ“The forcefulness in which he wanted to get back on the mound told us something. It told us the soreness wasn't something he felt was painful enough where we had to pull the plug on him. If Chris Sale believes in something he will stand up for himself, and he doesn't care who he stands up against. He had some very strong things to say to me.” — Williams on May 11 after Sale talked his way back into the rotation.
Ÿ“You never want to see anybody hit in the head.” — Gordon Beckham after teammate Paul Konerko was hit above the left eye by a pitch from Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija on May 18 at Wrigley Field.
Ÿ“Someone said it was a splitter, so it obviously didn't come out right, out of the hand. The velocity (85 mph) I think shows that as well.” — Konerko on May 19 when asked if he thought Samardzija's pitch was intentional.
Ÿ“It's not fun. You know, sometimes life gets in the way of baseball and you see what's really important.” — Konerko on May 22 after attending funeral services for popular pregame coach Kevin Hickey. And on April 27, community ambassador and former player Bill “Moose” Skowron died.
Ÿ“I mean, we are just playing good.” — Adam Dunn on June 1 after the White Sox reached their season high with 9 straight wins.
Ÿ“Losing is losing to me. I don't care how it happens, it's just never easy. — Jake Peavy on June 13 in St. Louis after dropping his second 1-0 game of the season.
Ÿ“I don't want to expound because then I get buried because I'm crying about money and things. I don't want to do it, but yes.” — Williams on June 18 when asked if the White Sox' poor attendance could hamper future roster upgrades.
Ÿ“He has a little edge to him, which I like. I think he's going to fit in just fine with our ballclub.” — Williams on June 24 after acquiring third baseman Kevin Youkilis in a trade with the Red Sox.
Ÿ“This has nothing to do with the Red Sox. I play for the White Sox, and I'm here to play for the White Sox.” — Youkilis on Saturday after hitting the deciding home run in the White Sox' 2-0 win over Toronto Blue.
Ÿ“You feel you can play with anybody. How it ends up, nobody knows that. You can control your effort.” — Ventura on Sunday before the Sox closed the first half of the season with an 11-9 loss to the Blue Jays.