Sox Thoughts For 7/6/06

I have been away for awhile because of the holiday, and this is my catch-up post. The White Sox won the last two games 13-0 and 4-2 over the Baltimore Orioles.

Jon Garland pitched very well last night. He seems to be regaining command of his pitches and opposing hitters have noticed. Kevin Millar commented that Garland's sinker "was like he was throwing bowling balls."

Although he was able to pitch out of it and get the save, it was rare to see Bobby Jenks get in trouble last night. He is the most overpowering Sox closer since Roberto Hernandez. Am I the only one who feels like a little kid again when he comes in to pitch? As an adult, it is rare to be so much in awe of someone's athletic abilities. That kind of hero worship is typically left to children, but it is impossible not be mesmerized with Bobby Jenks's natural talent. It is not so much that he can throw 100 miles per hour as much much as it is his ability to accentuate his powerful arm with a 97 MPH cutter and an 85 MPH curve ball. He really is video game good.

Hermanson May Return: Dustin Hermanson is set to begin rehabilitating his back injury at AAA Charlotte. He was scheduled to make his first relief appearance last night, but the game was rained out. White Sox trainer has intimated that there is no schedule for his rehabilitation, and Hermanson will remain at AAA until he is ready. Hermanson will be invaluable to the White Sox if he can regain his 2005 form, and he would likely replace Cliff Politte in Ozzie Guillen's bullpen. Politte has an ERA of 8.03 in 26 relief appearances.