If the White Sox had won half the games they`ve lost this season to the David Haases in the American League-essentially unknown pitchers-the race in the West would probably have a different look this morning.
”When you haven`t seen a guy before,” said hitting coach Walt Hriniak,
”you`re just not accustomed to his pitches. When the pitcher doesn`t know the hitters and the hitters don`t know the pitcher, the pitcher has the advantage.”
What can a hitter do to diminish the disadvantage?
”He can watch the guy throw in the bullpen, watch him throw during the game,” said Hriniak.
And sometimes, not even that is enough.
He`s on: Frank Thomas leads both leagues in reaching base (hits, walks and being hit by pitch). Before Sunday, he was at 274. Brady Anderson of the Orioles and the Tigers` Tony Phillips were next at 248.
Where are the kids? Still in the minor-league playoffs, which is why more of them aren`t up with the big club. Might see a couple in a few days, but aside from a pitcher or two, the best of the young everyday talent is at lower levels, and with the expansion draft ahead, there`s no reason to expose them to scouts.
”Some teams have a lot of young guys, and maybe they think they`re going to be their guys next year,” said manager Gene Lamont. ”We don`t really have that right now.”
There are no injured pitchers who need a confidence boost (or a fitness test) going into the winter. The real questions are Ozzie Guillen and Craig Grebeck. Neither will play before the year is out.
Easy pickings: Jack McDowell picked off two Indians Sunday, including Mark Whiten, an old pal, at first base. It was Whiten who set off a melee by popping McDowell after a tight pitch last season. McDowell has seven pickoffs this year.
It`s still there: Mike Huff continues to play despite an occasional pinch in the left shoulder he injured June 16. It`s looking more and more like arthroscopic surgery in the off-season, something Huff doesn`t relish.
”There`s always the chance that going in, they hit something else,” said Huff. ”And all of a sudden your arm`s numb for the rest of your life.”
