While Commissioner Bud Selig and union chief Donald Fehr launch media offensives in the latest episode of baseball’s long-running labor war, the players know they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
One more strike could mean the end of the national pastime as we know it. But if they don’t strike, they could face a lockout in 2003.
“I hope we don’t strike,” Frank Thomas said. “Because I don’t think the world can handle that right now with everything else going on.”
Thomas has an idea he believes would appease both sides, at least for the time being.
“I think they should just extend [the collective bargaining agreement] for one more year until the world is in a better situation,” he said. “Extend it one more year and let’s get it out of the way now. Let’s go.”
Asked why he doesn’t take a more vocal stand if that’s what he believes, Thomas replied: “I’m just a player. . . . “
While the union is opposed to contraction, Thomas said contraction or relocation are the only realistic options for some struggling franchises.
“The Montreal team is going to leave anyway,” he said. “There’s no support for baseball there, only 4,000 to 5,000 [fans] a night. That’s pretty bad. They should move it to New Jersey, or some place like that.”
Meanwhile, Kenny Lofton has taken over as the new Sox player representative, replacing Josh Paul, who’s playing at Triple-A Charlotte. No one knew Lofton was the player rep until he spread the word the last couple of days. Jeff Liefer had wanted the job but apparently lost out to his veteran teammate.
Wright stuff: Dan Wright has notched two straight victories since being knocked out in the third inning of the 19-0 loss at Anaheim.
“I’ve said all along that I had decent stuff in Anaheim,” Wright said. “I feel like I’m getting better every time out. I’m trying to make the big innings small ones.”
“Hopefully he has gotten over the hump,” manager Jerry Manuel said.
Kill or be killed: The recurring theme for the White Sox season thus far has been to either win big or lose big. They have won seven games by seven or more runs, including a 15-4 victory over Texas and a 14-0 triumph over Kansas City. But they also have lost six games by seven or more runs, including a 16-1 loss to Oakland and the 19-0 loss to Anaheim.
In contrast, the Sox have had only 10 games decided by one or two runs. They’re 2-4 in one-run games and haven’t won one since a 4-3 victory over Baltimore on April 13. They’re 2-2 in two-run games. Last year the Sox were 22-22 in one-run games and 17-16 in two-run games.
Sox files: Thomas’ right hand was wrapped in ice after the game. He was jammed by Rolando Arrojo on his fifth-inning sacrifice fly. He said it was a bone bruise and he expects to play on Wednesday.
