Piecing together Kevin Hickey's legacy

Source: South Side Sox by Jim Margalus

Kevin Hickey, South Side native, former White Sox LOOGY and batting practice pitcher, lived an one-in-a-million life. That storybook closed after Hickey passed away on Wednesday, following weeks spent in a diabetic coma.

After news of his death spread, lots of stories followed. Some quotes from the above video are in Chuck Garfien's piece about Hickey, and there have been a number of other nice tributes that help fill out Hickey's life and legacy in the White Sox

White Sox-Angels Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Game No. 1 under Los Angeles Angels new hitting coach Jim Eppard would have to be considered an overwhelming success. The team plated its most runs in more than a week, and most importantly, Albert Pujols homered.

Orioles-Royals Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Adam Jones seems to do his best work as a one-man wrecking crew, and that's fine with the Baltimore Orioles.

Sale looks to settle in against Angels

Source: MLB.com by Zack Meisel

Chris Sale will look to settle into his now permanent role in the rotation on Thursday when he faces the dangerous Angels lineup in the finale of the White Sox two-game series in Southern California.

Firing Mickey Hatcher was a desperate move the slumping Los Angeles Angels had to make (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

A new hitting coach may or may not wake up Albert Pujols, but L.A. had to try something with a season slipping away.

AL Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols welcomed his new hitting coach to town with a go-ahead three-run homer and Vernon Wells added a two-run shot to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

Sox starter Floyd foiled again in Anaheim

Source: Chicago Tribune

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Gavin Floyd limited opponents to two runs or fewer in each of his past four starts, but his problems at Angel Stadium continued Wednesday night.

Angels 7, White Sox 2: Floyd can't finish

Source: South Side Sox by Jim Margalus

After Jake Peavy's first bad start of the season, it was time for Gavin Floyd to regress to the mean. Unlike Peavy, he didn't lose a large lead. Instead, he lost a small lead, and then lost a lot of battles that turned into a large deficit.

The Sox gave Floyd a 2-1 lead in the third inning, and Floyd blew it over the course of three batters. He got ahead 0-2 on Mike Trout, who singled. Alberto Callaspo singled him to third. And after a first-pitch strike to

Floyd's run derailed by Pujols, Angels

Source: MLB.com by AJ Cassavell

For all that talk about Albert Pujols' struggles, on Wednesday the Angels' slugger put his slump on hold against Gavin Floyd in the third inning of a 7-2 White Sox loss.

Pujols' 3-run homer lifts Angels over Sox

Source: Chicago Tribune

Slugger hits only 2nd of year but it's enough in 7-2 victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. — After watching Albert Pujols kick-start his once-lethargic season, the White Sox could find themselves forced to stretch their resources further in an attempt to spark their stagnant offense.

The Look Ahead: Dunn moving to left for Sox-Cubs

Source: CSN Chicago

Chuck Garfien, Bill Melton and Frank Thomas preview the first installment of the BP Crosstown Cup, which will feature Adam Dunn playing left field for the first time in a White Sox uniform.

Pujols goes deep as Angels blast Floyd, Sox

Source: CSN Chicago

Gavin Floyd allowed a season-high seven runs, three of which came on Albert Pujols' second home run of the season, as the Angels beat the White Sox 7-2 in Anaheim.

Rapid Reaction: Angels 7, White Sox 2

Source: ESPN Chicago

Here’s a quick look at the Los Angeles Angels’ 7-2 win over the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Wednesday. How it happened: White Sox starter John Danks suffered his worst start in nearly a month. He gave up 10 hits and seven runs in six innings. He had allowed a total of four runs over his previous four outings. Albert Pujols may just be breaking out his slump for the Angels. A game after going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, Pujols homered and drove in three runs against the White Sox.

Pujols, Wells homer to lead Angels over White Sox (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols welcomed his new hitting coach to town with a go-ahead three-run homer and Vernon Wells added a two-run shot to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

Sox Game Day: Pujols slugs Angels to 7-2 win over Sox

Source: Chicago Tribune

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Clutch hitting by Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham quickly vanished Wednesday night for the Chicago White Sox.

Melton, Thomas, Hawk remember Kevin Hickey

Source: CSN Chicago

Bill Melton, Frank Thomas and Hawk Harrelson reflect on the life of Kevin Hickey, who passed away at the age of 56 on Wednesday.

Late Hickey remembered fondly on South Side

Source: MLB.com by AJ Cassavell

Kevin Hickey, the beloved pregame instructor for the White Sox since 2004 and a former Sox reliever died at the age of 56 on Wednesday morning at Rush University Medical Center.

Konerko is a Windy City Series statesman

Source: MLB.com by Scott Merkin

Paul Konerko has played in enough Major League Baseball games, both of the postseason and regular-season variety, that the White Sox captain understands Interleague games with the Cubs represent something special.

Pierzynski breaking out of slump

Source: MLB.com

All White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said he needed was to see a ball off his bat touch the outfield grass. Then the flood gates would open. That's exactly what happened on Tuesday, when he had five hits.

Farmer relished time with ex-Sox teammate Hickey

Source: Chicago Tribune

ANAHEIM, Calif. -Kevin Hickey was more than a fellow former St. Rita High School student and teammate of current Chicago White Sox radio announcer Ed Farmer.

Sox Game Day: Pujols slugs Angels to 4-2 lead over Sox in 4th

Source: Chicago Tribune

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Clutch hitting by Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham quickly vanished Wednesday night for the Chicago White Sox.

Sox Game Day: Viciedo, Beckham rally Sox to 2-1 lead over Angels in 3rd

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Chicago White Sox will try to make the most of their two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium before returning to Chicago to play a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Sox Game Day: Making most of schedule

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Chicago White Sox will try to make the most of their two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium before returning to Chicago to play a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Sox not ruling out high school player with 1st draft pick

Source: Chicago Tribune

Team has taken college or juco player with 1st selection in last 10 drafts

ANAHEIM, Calif. — After 10 consecutive seasons of selecting a four-year college or junior college player with their first pick, the White Sox might take a high school player with the 13th selection in the June 4 amateur draft.

Gamethread: Hi, Anaheim

Source: South Side Sox by Jim Margalus

Current Series 2 game series vs Angels @ Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Chicago White Sox South Side Sox
@ Los Angeles Angels Halos Heaven

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 9:05 PM CDT
Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Will Kevin Youkilis Change Sox?

Source: Southside Showdown by Matt Adams

The Red Sox are, according to Buster Olney, are headed down the path to trade visit site to read more]

Will Kevin Youkilis Change Sox? - Southside Showdown - Southside Showdown - A Chicago White Sox Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Former Sox reliever Kevin Hickey dies at 56

Source: Chicago Tribune

Unlikely major leaguer was found unresponsive in hotel room the day before opener

Kevin Hickey was described perfectly by former White Sox general manager Roland Hemond as "a South Side kid made good."

Rogers: It's too early for All-City team

Source: Chicago Tribune

Cubs and Sox are in such transitory states that time is needed to assess players

Doesn't it seem like it was just yesterday when we were leaving Arizona, full of certainty about the 2012 baseball season?

Lineups for Sox @ Angels 5/16

Source: Southside Showdown by Matt Adams

What seemed like a sure win Tuesday afternoon turned into what seemed like a sure loss, but then came about 2 feet from being a victory? Sound tiring? After the loss the Sox boarded a plane and headed for southern California, where they will take … [visit site to read more]

Lineups for Sox @ Angels 5/16 - Southside Showdown - Southside Showdown - A Chicago White Sox Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

American League notebook -- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Baltimore: LHP Zach Britton threw four scoreless innings Tuesday during his second start in extended spring training, and he is due to pitch there again Monday. Britton, on the disabled list all season due to a left shoulder impingement, might be able to rejoin the Orioles in late May or early June. ... LF Xavier Avery started for the fourth consecutive game to open his major league career. After hitting ninth Tuesday, Avery was back in the leadoff spot for the series opener at Kansas City.

MLB Roundup: Clemens trial continues, Lawrie appeals suspension (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Roger Clemens' lawyer Rusty Hardin began his first extended cross-examination of key prosecution witness Brian McNamee by explaining that he would set up a chart to list McNamee's recollections as a mistake, a case of bad memory or a lie, according to an MLB.com report.

Indians righty Tomlin to get second MRI on wrist (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) Josh Tomlin isn't quite sure when he will be back on the mound for the Cleveland Indians.

Rosenblog: Protesting Cubs-Sox

Source: Chicago Tribune

Dear Mr. and Mrs. NATO protesters,

Jake Peavy Reminds Us That It's 2012, Not 2007

Source: Bleacher Report

Imagine this scenario.  

Your college professor assigns you a prompt for your final term paper.  After slaving on the essay for countless hours, you feel accomplished and confident that you delivered a quality product.

 Before turning in your paper the next morning, you realize that you misread the prompt and frantically have to produce something quickly. Anything.

Yeah, I was the schmuck to rant about how great Jake Peavy has been in the early part of the season.  Then the 6th inning of yesterday's game against the Tigers happened.

Like the frantic college student, I had to come up with something about the 2007 NL Cy Young Winner on the spot. Anything that would get a couple chuckles out of you.

But seriously, how excited were you that Jake Peavy's early success wasn't a fluke? While I don't want to toot my own horn, his mid-game meltdown wasn't exactly a shocker to me.

How often can a guy who's topping out at 92 MPH with a mediocre breaking ball get lucky?

Time after time, it seems like Peavy has gotten guys to hit "at-um" balls as Hawk likes to call them.  Of course, this was holding true until Tuesday afternoon.  Both Cabrera's and Raburn's shots were more likely to be caught by beer vendors than major league outfielders.

Regardless of my pestering pessimism, Peavy's stat line still exceeds any type of realistic expectations.  4-1 W-L 2.65 ERA 0.92 WHIP is hardly mediocre.

While fans claim that he's pitching like it's 2007, I tend to disagree.  When Peavy was dominant, he was striking out guys at a phenomenal clip.  Over the course of his career in San Diego, the righty boasted a 8.8 K/9.

Despite his early season numbers, he's only striking out 7.5 K/9.  Smells a little fishy.

Let's use some deductive reasoning to make an educated conclusion regarding the Alabama native.

At 2.65, his ERA is nearly a full point below his career mark of 3.44.  His 0.92 WHIP is also way below his normal 1.19. Add in the fact that his control has been a bit above his average and you've got some evidence.  

By some type of geometric property, it seems like Peavy is getting lucky.  He has to be.

Once he goes around the league, hitters will start jumping on him early in the count.  

When it comes down to it, his stuff isn't what it once was. Coupled with the fact that he needs to have 100% pinpoint location to consistently be effective and you've got a ticking time bomb.

Having said this, I'm hoping that Peavy proves me wrong.  But here's my expectations for the rest of the season: 7-8 W-L 4.67 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. 

Kenny, trade him while you can.

While this piece might not be glowing with optimism, I couldn't put out a column that I truly didn't believe in.  Let alone one that made it seem like we warped back to 2007 where Jake Peavy was a stud and I was sleeping in trigonometry. 

Read more Chicago White Sox news on BleacherReport.com

Leyland: Valverde day to day with back issue (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

DETROIT (AP) Detroit manager Jim Leyland says closer Jose Valverde is day to day with a strained lower back.

Lawrie joins list of baseball's wildest rants (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Helmet tossing and bat banging have become all the rage, it seems. Yet Brett Lawrie and Bryce Harper still have a long way to go before hitting our list of baseball's wildest rants and raves.

Indians' Tomlin to get second MRI on wrist (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) Josh Tomlin isn't quite sure when he'll be back on the mound for the Cleveland Indians.

Sox stick with Beckham in No. 2 spot vs. Angels

Source: Chicago Tribune

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Gordon Beckham will stay in the No. 2 spot in the Chicago White Sox's batting order Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.

Jays' Lawrie suspended for 4 games after blowup with umpire

Source: Chicago Tribune

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie was suspended by Major League Baseball for four games Wednesday after a run-in with umpire Bill Miller.

Beloved Hickey a 'classic underdog'

Source: CSN Chicago

Kevin Hickey never played high school baseball, but threw over 200 innings in the majors and spent most of the last decade tenaciously throwing batting practice to White Sox players. He passed away at 56 on Wednesday.

Clemens' lawyer grills McNamee on memories

Source: Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON -- Brian McNamee, the key prosecution witness in the Roger Clemens perjury trial, said he never had made up details about the pitcher’s drug use, but that some of his memories of it had become clearer over time.

The 2012 Angels vs. the 2011 White Sox

Source: CSN Chicago

Albert Pujols welcomes the White Sox to California sporting an OPS in the same range as Gordon Beckham, Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo. What gives?

Illinois legislators honor ex-Sox pitcher Pierce

Source: MLB.com by Zack Meisel

The Illinois House of Representatives honored former White Sox pitcher Billy Pierce on Wednesday with a resolution declaring it "Billy Pierce Day" in the state of Illinois.

Carmelita: a Los Angeles Angels Preview

Source: South Side Sox by U-God

A brief look at an opponent we play in a very confusingly timed series.

Offense: Mike Trout-CF, Alberto Callaspo-3B, Albert Pujols-1B, Kendrys Morales-DH, Mark Trumbo-RF, Howie Kendrick-2B, Vernon Wells-LF,

2012 MLB All-Star Game: Who Else Other Than Justin Verlander is All-Star Worthy for the Detroit Tigers? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY| Players and coaches vote pitchers into the All-Star Game, so Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is safe.

Ex-White Sox, Orioles pitcher Hickey dies at 56 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Kevin Hickey, who spent parts of six seasons in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, has died at age 56.

Chicago Cubs Seek Bullpen Help from Mike MacDougal: Fan’s Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Chicago Cubs' bullpen lost another game when Rafael Dolis surrendered the go-ahead run to the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning of a 7-6 loss on May 15, 2012. With a 15-21 record, the Cubs trail the Cardinals by six games in the National League Central. The ironic part about this is that they'd probably be within a couple games of the division lead with some better relievers.