SB Nation Chicago - White Sox Vs. Royals: Paul Konerko Out Of The Lineup For Series Finalehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2012-09-20T22:06:08-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/31185532012-09-20T22:06:08-05:002012-09-20T22:06:08-05:00Chicago White Sox Vs. Kansas City Royals: Sox Lose, 4-3, In Bottom Of 9th
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> may have started slow against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night, but they turned it on at the right time as a <span>Johnny Giavotella</span> triple in the fifth inning served as catalyst for their 4-3 comeback win. The reaction from the White Sox was to pull pitcher <span>Francisco Liriano</span>, and it proved to be the right move as reliever <span>Nate Jones</span> went 2⅓ innings with no runs allowed. While this stopped the bleeding for much of the game, an <span>Eric Hosmer</span> single ultimately finalized the comeback and sealed a 2-1 series win for the Royals.</p>
<p>Early on, it looked like Chicago would stroll through Thursday night's game, as they amassed four hits and three runs in the first two innings. <span>A.J. Pierzynski</span> got his 74th RBI of the season, and the White Sox bats were hot. However, Royals' pitcher <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> settled down and found his rhythm, finishing with six innings pitched and one earned run.</p>
<p>The White Sox now head west for a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels. Your probables for Friday night are <span>Jake Peavy</span> and <span>Ervin Santana</span>, as the Sox look to stave off Detroit, who remain two games back.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> please visit<a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/" target="_blank"> South Side Sox</a>, and for more on the Kansas City Royals head over to <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/" target="_blank">Royals Review</a></i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3366392/chicago-white-sox-vs-kansas-city-royals-sox-lose-in-bottom-of-9thJames Dator2012-09-20T18:21:58-05:002012-09-20T18:21:58-05:00White Sox Vs. Royals Lineups: Chicago 1B Paul Konerko Out With Sore Back
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<p><span>Paul Konerko</span> is out of the lineup for the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> on Thursday night as he deals with a sore back, <a href="https://twitter.com/MDGonzales/status/248907712652509184" target="_blank">according to the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzalez</a>. <span>Adam Dunn</span> will move to first base, while <span>Dan Johnson</span> is in as the designated hitter as the Sox go for a series victory over the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a>.</p>
<p>Konerko is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday, <a href="https://twitter.com/CST_soxvan/status/248908101284155392" target="_blank">per Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times</a>.</p>
<p>Here are the full lineups:</p>
<p><b>White Sox</b></p>
<p>1. <span>Alejandro De Aza</span> LF<br>2. Dewayne Wise CF<br>3. Adam Dunn 1B<br>4. <span>Alex Rios</span> RF<br>5. <span>A.J. Pierzynski</span> C<br>6. <span>Kevin Youkilis</span> 3B<br>7. Dan Johnson DH<br>8. Alexei Ramirez SS<br>9. <span>Gordon Beckham</span> 2B</p>
<p><b>Royals</b></p>
<p>1. <span>Jason Bourgeois</span> CF<br>2. Alcides Escobar SS<br>3. <span>Alex Gordon</span> LF<br>4. <span>Billy Butler</span> DH<br>5. <span>Salvador Perez</span> C<br>6. <span>Mike Moustakas</span> 3B<br>7. <span>Jeff Francoeur</span> RF<br>8. <span>Eric Hosmer</span> 1B<br>9. <span>Johnny Giavotella</span> 2B</p>
<p><span>Francisco Liriano</span> (6-11, 5.24 ERA) will take the mound for the White Sox, and he'll be opposed by <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> (7-12, 4.92). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.southsidesox.com" target="_blank">South Side Sox</a>. Additional coverage on the Royals can be found at <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com" target="_blank">Royals Review</a>, while <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a> is the place to go for news and analysis from around the league.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3365544/paul-konerko-injury-white-sox-vs-royals-lineupsBryan Kilpatrick2012-09-20T17:43:22-05:002012-09-20T17:43:22-05:00White Sox Expected To Decline Jake Peavy's Option, But Pitcher Could Still Return
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<p>The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> will likely decline starting pitcher <span>Jake Peavy's</span> $22 million option for 2013, per CBS Sports' Jon Heyman (<a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/White-Sox-expected-to-decline-Peavys-opt?blockID=776433&feedID=661&awid=8521727335042756431-914" target="_blank">via JJ Stankevitz of CSN Chicago</a>). However, the Sox could be interested in bringing back Peavy on a lower salary.</p>
<p>While Peavy would be highly sought after on the open market, he has expressed a willingness to return to Chicago:</p>
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<p>"If I had it my way, this is where I'd play until I couldn't play no more. I love it, I love Robin and his staff, and I love my teammates. We'll see what happens. I certainly understand the game. I want to play in Chicago, that's for sure."</p>
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<p>Over the weekend, White Sox GM Kenny Williams told WSCR-670 AM (<a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/2012/9/20/3361612/a-v-room-parsing-manager-speak-general-manager-speak" target="_blank">via South Side Sox</a>) that the feeling on Peavy's possible return is mutual. Williams also said that he'd be open to retaining <span>Kevin Youkilis</span> at the right price.</p>
<p>The Sox will be on the hook for a $4 million once they officially turn down Peavy's option for next season.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.southsidesox.com" target="_blank">South Side Sox</a>. And, for additional MLB coverage, head over to <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3365390/white-sox-expected-to-decline-jake-peavys-option-but-pitcher-couldBryan Kilpatrick2012-09-20T16:48:02-05:002012-09-20T16:48:02-05:00White Sox's Secret To Success: Power Naps
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<p>The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> are taking extra measures to stay energized as a long season winds down, <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/White-Sox-make-extra-efforts-to-preserve?blockID=776101&feedID=661" target="_blank">according to CSN Chicago's Dan Hayes</a>. One of the most helpful tactics? Power naps, says White Sox director of conditioning Allen Thomas:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"There's a whole lot of power in a 15-minute nap. When you plug your battery back in for a few minutes, you still get some charge."</p>
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<p>Chicago's offense could certainly use some recharging, as it has only produced three runs in two games against the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a>. Wednesday's effort was especially rough, as the Sox were shutout by <span>Bruce Chen</span> and the Royals' bullpen.</p>
<p>Still, the Sox have managed to stay in first place, which can probably be somewhat attributed to their emphasis on keeping players fresh. The well-rested Pale Hose will shoot for a series win on Thursday night in Kansas City. Doing so would increase their division lead to three games over the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.southsidesox.com">South Side Sox</a>. And, for additional news and analysis from around the league, head over to <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3365092/chicago-white-sox-al-centralBryan Kilpatrick2012-09-20T10:17:39-05:002012-09-20T10:17:39-05:00White Sox Vs. Royals Preview: Chicago Tries To Solve Jeremy Guthrie
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<p>The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> will try to win their series with the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> on Thursday night and increase their two game lead over the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a> in the AL Central.</p>
<p>Chicago will send <span>Francisco Liriano</span> (3-1, 5.10 ERA) to the mound, hoping he can build on his last outing in which he went for seven innings and allowed two runs on only one hit against the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Twins</a> on Sept. 15. His last time against the Royals Liriano struggled however, allowing five runs in five innings.</p>
<p>The Royals will counter with <span>Jeremy Guthrie</span> (4-3, 3.13 ERA) who has had the White Sox number this season. Guthrie has led the Royals to three wins against the White Sox since Aug. 8 without allowing an earned run. In those three starts Guthrie has pitched 23 2/3 innings and only allowed 13 hits and two unearned runs.</p>
<p>First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. CT.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, visit </i><a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/" style="font-style: italic;">South Side Sox</a><i> or </i><a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/" style="font-style: italic;">SB Nation Chicago</a><i>. For more on the Royals, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com">Royals Review</a>. And for more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3363066/white-sox-vs-royals-preview-jeremy-guthrieJeff Briggs2012-09-20T09:55:05-05:002012-09-20T09:55:05-05:00White Sox Vs. Royals: Robin Ventura Likes What He Sees From Gavin Floyd
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<p>The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> are pushing to claim the AL Central crown and make a deep playoff run, so <span>Gavin Floyd's</span> recent start against the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a> -- five hits and two earned runs allowed over seven innings in a 3-2 win on Tuesday night -- is a great sign for the team. Floyd has spent time on the disabled list with an elbow issue, but manager <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/Physically-improved-Floyds-mentality-mak?blockID=776071&feedID=661&awid=5831356802861310541-914">Robin Ventura thinks Floyd is regaining his form</a>, based on the two starts Floyd made since coming off the DL.</p>
<p>Ventura told CSN-Chicago:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's a little sharper. You watch him throw, and it looks different. You see his mannerisms on the mound and he gets it back. He looks confident when he gets the ball back, like he's in control of what he's doing. It's a big thing for a pitcher.</p>
<p>I thought of letting him go out in the eighth. But you sit and look at it and he's done his job. That's what you wanted him to do in the first place. You get him out, feeling good about it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Chris Sale</span> and <span>Jake Peavy</span> are firmly entrenched at the top of the rotation for Chicago, but if Floyd can make contributions down the stretch the Sox have a good chance of holding off the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, visit <a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/">South Side Sox</a> or <a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a>. For more on the Royals, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a>. And for more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/20/3362972/gavin-floyd-white-sox-robin-venturaSteve von Horn2012-09-19T22:12:38-05:002012-09-19T22:12:38-05:00White Sox Vs. Royals Final Score: Chicago Shut Out by Bruce Chen, Royals
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> were unable to score a run despite recording nine hits, losing to Kansas City 3-0 Wednesday night. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> scored a run in the third inning on a <span>Billy Butler</span> sacrifice fly and added two more on an <span>Alex Gordon</span> double in the seventh inning.</p>
<p>The loss overshadowed a stellar performance from White Sox leadoff man Alejandro de Aza, who was 4-for-5 on the night with a double and a triple. <span>Alex Rios</span> added three hits. Chicago starter <span>Chris Sale</span> took the loss, giving up all three of Kansas City's runs in 6 2/3 innings pitched.</p>
<p>Royals starter <span>Bruce Chen</span> was credited with the win after scattering 5 hits over 6 2/3 innings. <span>Greg Holland</span> recorded his 18th save of the season.</p>
<p>The loss breaks a five-game White Sox winning streak. The two teams are scheduled to face off in the final game of their three-game series Thursday night.</p>
<p><i>For more on the White Sox, visit </i><a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/">South Side Sox</a><i> or </i><a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Chicago</a><i>. For more on the Royals, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals Review</a>. And for more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/19/3361194/white-sox-vs-royals-final-score-chicago-shut-out-by-bruce-chen-royalsPatrick Vint2012-09-19T20:53:56-05:002012-09-19T20:53:56-05:00Alejandro De Aza Believes He's Straightened Out Issues At Plate
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<p><a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> CF <span>Alejandro De Aza</span> has struggled at the plate since returning from the DL on Sept. 2, hitting only .190 with a .277 on-base percentage. But De Aza was given two days off earlier this week in order to work out his kinks at the plate, and he came back on Tuesday night and went 2-for-4 with a home run. De Aza credited the time off with helping him return to form, at least for one night.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I was having some tough times," De Aza said. "I feel much better. Sometimes you don't need to take a day off, but at other times you need a day or two to work on your approach and then try to use it in the game."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>(<a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-whitesox/whitesox-talk/With-kinks-worked-out-De-Aza-ready-to-sp?blockID=776061&feedID=661&awid=4900650545674753667-914">via</a> CSN Chicago)</p>
<p>More specifically, De Aza and the White Sox coaches believe that his swing had gotten a bit too long.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Just try to shorten up my swing," De Aza said. "I was getting all over, roll over a lot. I was chasing pitches, jumping on the plate. But sometimes I pull off, which is not good for me."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>De Aza is continuing his turnaround on Wednesday night. He's currently 3-for-4 in the game in the seventh inning.</p>
<p><i>For the latest on all things White Sox, <a href="http://www.southsidesox.com/" target="_blank">check out South Side Sox.</a> For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, check out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-white-sox/2012/9/19/3360720/alejandro-de-aza-white-soxJordan Sargent