J.J. Putz earned the save in a victory over the Nationals last month. (Chuck Myers/MCT)
By Mark Gonzales
OAKLAND -- Manager Ozzie Guillen said the White Sox had plenty of options after Bobby Jenks blew a save on May 9.
Jenks never lost his closer's role, but developments since have given more reason for Guillen to strongly consider other options after Jenks' second-half struggles.
First, Jenks has allowed seven runs on seven hits and two walks in his past 2 2/3
innings covering his past four games. Jenks has struck out one in his past
three appearances, and Guillen raised concerns about Jenks' velocity after blowing a save Wednesday night.
Jenks said he was throwing sinkers and wasn't consumed with his velocity, but the result was disastrous.
Second, J.J.
Putz is fully recovered from off-season elbow surgery and currently holds the Sox's
franchise record with 25 consecutive scoreless appearances. Putz has 105 major
league saves.
Third, left-hander
Matt Thornton filled in for Jenks when he was hurt in the past two years and
has five saves this season.
The
only cause for concern is that Guillen each gave Thornton and Putz a rest
Wednesday after their recent workload. Thornton is on pace for 69 appearances
(he has pitched in 68 games or more over the past three seasons).
Only the New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera and Minnesota's Joe Nathan have kept their roles with their respective teams longer than Jenks.
But there is a sense of urgency, sensing from Guillen's plan to keep 43-year-old Omar Vizquel at third base when opening day starter Mark Teahen returns some time this season from a fractured finger and while 21-year-old slugger Dayan Viciedo sits on the bench.
"I
get paid to win games," Guillen said late Wednesday night after Jenks blew a
1-0 lead in the 11th inning at Seattle. "That's my job, win games.
And I'm going to put the guys there with the best shot."
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"Roman F on July 22, 2010 3:29 PM
I give up, this team is going nowhere with this kind of hitting and this bullpen."
But do they have blowup dolls, baseball bats and hair dye? That's what you have plenty of.
I think Jenks has to remain the closer. Wednesday's game was tough but it was understandable (bunt single, good baserunning.) Last Sunday's was unacceptable but it is a rarity and Jenks has a record of getting the job done.
Blown saves are a terrible statistic. You can enter a game with the bases loaded, get a double play grounder that ties the game and get a blown save.
Ah c'mon. A week from now you'll be running around the house in your Bears helmets and jerseys.
sox can trade away teahan and linebrink and good luck and godspeed to whoever takes them.
sox have to go with only the best. being wishy washy in a pennant race, no way.
sox are incredibly lucky to be where they are especially from the horrifying start they had, i really didn't expect any good stuff.
a lot of "what-if's" this season and more to come. what if at the end of the season there's a tie for 1st and let's say that jenks just blew his last save, would you trust jenks to win it all for you? sure he can mess up but so can anybody else.
jenks isn't the lard-butt you all think he is...take a look at fielder and sabathia. they make jenks look like a runway model *(lol)*.
i'm not totally sticking up for jenks but the saying goes you are as good as your last game.
Jenks fastball is not what it used to be and he does not scare anyone these days.
The Sox bullpen did just fine while Jenks was out for personal reasons and when you are in a pennant race you go with the players that give you the best chance to win.
They do not owe him anything and if he can't hold a lead then he can take a seat.
Yes, Jenks blowing two saves this week was not the end of the world but this is a three way race and every single game matters in this division year after year.
Pure and simple..Ozzie picked the wrong time and situation to use Bobby Jenks in a save situation especially after what had happened in Minnesota.He was trying to say that he had confidence in players by inserting Jenks in the game but recently JJ Putz has been lights out.Now Ozzie says after the game that it will be bullpen by committee.Well what else is supposed to say after realizing that he messed up.Put the loss on Ozzie
Gimme a break. On May 9th of this year, Bobby Jenks blew a save to kingdom come. He was thunderously booo-ed as he walked off the field. I was there. I never heard a Sox crowd boo Jenks like that.
After the game Ozzie discussed the Sox "options." That's all he and Kenny did....discuss.
Jenks should thank his lucky stars that he wasn't pitching during a home game during his last 2 awful games.
Since that May 9th game, the White Sox had plenty of chances on Bobby's good days to showcase him and quickly trade him.
Sox are in 1st place, they cannot afford to lose.
Jenks with a 6 - 3 lead in the 9th against Minnesota and looses 7 - 6. Unforgivable. Blowing a 1 run game against Seattle --- Laughable.Just look at the fool. He is 50+ lbs over weight and is so out of shape my 82 year old mother can beat him in a race and kick his-ass. Get rid of this goof ball.
Jenks with a 6 - 3 lead in the 9th against Minnesota and looses 7 - 6. Unforgivable. Blowing a 1 run game against Seattle --- Laughable.Just look at the fool. He is 50+ lbs over weight and is so out of shape my 82 year old mother can beat him in a race and kick his-ass. Get rid of this goof ball.
Talk about an overreaction. Bobby has blown all of 2 saves this year in 22 opportunities, and Sox fans are panicking and want to give the ball to a rookie. You are 2.5 games up, and gaining on average 1 game per week in the standings. Relax already.
Shop Jenks, Teahan, and linebrink for a left handed bat .
I turn the TV off when I see this fat guy who wont ever field a bunt or be consistent on the mound
This guy Hudson could replace him Ill bet on it .. Guys wont hit this Hudson guy when they only see him a few times .. I see this guy being used a lot in the future. His release is hard for batters to gauge .If only Peavy was healthy
Roman F on July 22, 2010 4:03 PM
Even an idiot, which many people think I am, doesn't give up on his team when it's in 1st place. I do want to apologize for offending Brent Lillibridge's mom, who was obviously very put off by my criticism of her son to come after me on these boards the way she has.
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You are acting like a very strange person.
Roman F on July 22, 2010 3:29 PM
I give up, this team is going nowhere with this kind of hitting and this bullpen.
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Even an idiot, which many people think I am, doesn't give up on his team when it's in 1st place. I do want to apologize for offending Brent Lillibridge's mom, who was obviously very put off by my criticism of her son to come after me on these boards the way she has.
Of course there are options for a new Sox closer. Let Jenks sit on the bench along with Linebrink. Use Santos for your 7th inning relief, and then either Thornton or Putz for the 8th or 9th. Pena, Threets, and whoever else is there can fill in as needed. But, Thornton or Putz have proven they can close. Sit the fat man and shave off that ridiculous hair on his chin!!!
I give up, this team is going nowhere with this kind of hitting and this bullpen.
Here's the best scenraio...Williams needs topackage Jenks in a deal next week and get something back in return as this guy is NOT dependable anymore and this team cannot afford any more losses like the last two when this goof has been pitching. Time to ship him out as his best days are numbered. Putz is your closer with Thornton remaining in his role as set-up man. Enough is enough! Get rid of Jinks!
the time for a new closer is NOW! j.j. is the man. let bj set up and hopefully do a good job. bobby has done a good job over the years but he is getting a little stale. maybe even a change of scenery would help bj but for everyones sake ozzie make the change.