We didn't get a response from the White Sox blogger for a View From the Other Side (likely he knew I was going to ask about Rios) so I thought we'd take our own look at the 2-4 Pale Hose.
The starters for the series:
Tonight Brian Tallet opposite is Jake Peavy. Jake as you likely know won the NL Cy Young in 2007 with the Padres. He missed time in 2008 with elbow troubles and missed half of last year with an ankle injury. In his first start of the season he left after 5 innings, having thrown 100 pitches. He gave up 7 hits, 2 walks and 3 runs. Normally he has great control and picks up about a k an inning.
Contined after the jump.
Tomorrow we face Gavin Floyd going against Ricky Romero. Gavin won 17 games in 2008 but was just 11-11 last year, despite having similar stats. A big 6'6" right hander walks a few and gives up too many homers. Throws a good curve, a change and low to mid 90's fastball. Gave up 2 runs in 6 innings in his first start on 5 hits, 3 walks and 7 K.
Wednesday Lefty John Danks goes against Brandon Morrow. Danks is just 25 but is in his 4th big league season. Career he is 31-33 with a 4.03 ERA. Does walk a few and gave up 28 homers last year. Throws the change, curve and low 90's fastball. Went 6 innings in his first start, giving up 8 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned with a walk and 6 k. Maybe we'll get an Randy Ruiz appearance?
Thursday is a battle of lefties, Dana Eveland draws White Sox ace Mark Buehrle. Buehrle has had 2 starts and 2 wins already. 15 innings, 11 hits, 3 walks, 4 K and 4 earned as well as a highlight reel defensive play that I'm sure you've all seen by now. He is a work horse, gone over 200 innings the last 9 years. He's a pitch to contact type, doesn't strikeout a lot of guys.
Their batting order has generally looked like this:
Juan Pierre LF or DH
Gordon Beckman 2B
Carlos Quentin LF or RF
Paul Konerko 1B
Mark Kotsay DH or Andruw Jones CF
Alex Rios CF or RF
A.J. Pierzynski C
Mark Teahen 3B
Alexei Ramirez SS
I can't imagine they'll stay with Pierre for long, he is starting slow (.125/.192/.125), but runs fast. Gordon Beckman is a very good looking young player, in his second year, starting slow too (.227/.320/.409 with a homer). Quentin is looking to come back from a season where he was bothered by injuries, he's having a good start (.333/.538/.611 with a homer). Konerko has been around forever now, but he's only 34, starting hot (.316/.440/.789, 3 homers). Kotsay is ancient too, plays against right handed pitchers, unless he doesn't start hitting soon (.154/.267/.385) then he won't be playing against anyone. Jones plays against lefties (.125/.364/.125), just 3 or 4 years ago he looked like a superstar. Rios you know way too much about already (.174/.269/.391). Pierzynski is a veteran catcher (.227/.227/.273). Teahen came over from the Royals, having a rough start too (.071/.316/.143). Ramirez is a good young shortstop, having a slow start (.182/.182/.227).