By Mark GonzalesMark Buehrle's left arm already is a topic of discussion, but White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper is pleased with reports about Buehrle's off-season preparation.
''He'd doing more arm specific stuff, and he hopes to continue to feel good,'' said Cooper, who has stayed in contact with Buehrle through telephone calls and text messages. ''He's doing all he can. So far, everything is going smoothly.'
Buehrle's health has been a topic of discussion for the past four years, as he has thrown at least 200 innings for nine consecutive seasons. Cooper wanted Buehrle to focus more on concentrating on his left arm to ensure his durability.
Photo: Mark Buehrle is progressing well in offseason workouts. (Scott Strazzante/Tribune)
Buehrle, 30, has worked with a trainer in his St. Louis-area off-season home this winter. At the end of the 2009 season, there was some speculation that, with the addition of Jake Peavy, Buehrle could be pushed back to as far as the fourth spot in the Sox's rotation in an effort to preserve his arm.
In recent seasons, the Sox have protected Buehrle's arm by pitching him in minor league and 'B' games during spring training and adjusting the rotation during the first month of the regular season to give him an extra day of rest when it was possible.
''I'll say this,'' Cooper said. ''I'm getting a lot of energy from Mark Buehrle.''
In recent seasons, the Sox have protected Buehrle's arm by pitching him in minor league and 'B' games during spring training and adjusting the rotation during the first month of the regular season to give him an extra day of rest when it was possible.
''I'll say this,'' Cooper said. ''I'm getting a lot of energy from Mark Buehrle.''
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You know Ethan,you make alot of sense,just like the Cub/Sox rivalry isn't as important as games within the division.Unfortunatly I deal with naueous Cub fans every day and if I had my druthers I would prefer cheering on Dye (MVP) HERO Dye,Clutch Dye on any team,unless he's playing against the White Sox,BUT if he plays for the cubs,good riddancs !!!
I'd rather see Dye as a Cub than to see him as a Twin or Tiger....
Yosh,maybe by 1,as long as we win,even if Buehrle is our number 4 pitcher,with Hudson and Torres in reserve,this is one heck of a starting staff.Are you worried about Jenks,you have Putz and Thornton to back him up.My concern is hitting.You lose two big bats in the lineup and play half your games at US Cellular,that could be a problem.Will Rios live up to expectations,was Quentins one great year a fluke,and do any of you fellow Sox fans want to see Dye play for the stinkin Cubs!!!
Red on January 20, 2010 10:42 AM
The scary thing about Buehrle is that last year was his best season since 05. or a guy who wins about 12 a year, he sure gets a lot of attention in this town.
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Actually, Mark averages 15 wins per season for his career. In his 9 full seasons as a starter he has only had less than 12 wins once (10 in 2007). And 2008 was probably his best season since 2005 (15-12 3.79 ERA) - when the Sox, conincidentally made the playoffs.
Buehrle gets a lot of attention because he is consistent. Not flashy, but consistent. He is a lock for 30-35 starts, 12-15 wins, and 200+ innings each year. Plus he was part of a World Series rotation, threw a Perfect game last year and another no hitter in 2007. I'd say he has earned the attention.
Wow, whats with the attitude guys? Its off season, there is nothing else to report on, so we get this kind of nothing newsbreaks. I read it becuase its about the Sox and Im a fan. Not expecting any kind of great revelations here.
Yeah I am new to English like the Cubs are Old to wait till next year. As for getting rid of Buehrle? What planet is this? The guy in his career CAREER thats for my English lessons averages 224 innings pitched per season. And during that he only gives up an average mind you of 106 runs with ONLY 51 walks and 129 strikeouts. As for trading by all means do he can commute from his offseason home to his next ballpark and face the northsiders more than just a few times a year.
NO what really is astounding is that a team that has not done anything in a 100 years takes all the headlines. I guess with some of our limited coverage we fail to forget he has won a world series and pitched how many no hitters including a few no no's? And yes the glass is always full in a batting cage or throwing without a swinging hitter in a game time situation ha ha go Sox.
This is absolutely great news!
Wow, imagine that, "Coop" saying Buehrle is ready. Who'd a guessed it?
Now that Burles is ready to win more than 2 games in a half season, and that 'Walk' proclaims Rios has his swing back (after seeing him take 5 practice swings), the only question left is "Will we win the division by 10 or 20 games"?
There are traditions, and then there are White Sox traditions , , , ,bs , , , ,