TORONTO -- Manager Ozzie Guillen isn't overly worried about mercurial pitcher Freddy Garcia, who reverted to his spring struggles in a 7-3 loss at Toronto.
"Do I worry?" Guillen said after Garcia was tagged for seven runs on eight hits in three-plus innings. "Not yet. We don't expect him to go out and throw eight innings every game and do what he did the first game (against Minnesota). In the meanwhile, he knows he has to throw more strikes and make the right pitch at the right time."
After allowing 40 hits in 21 2/3 innings in spring training, Garcia temporarily quieted critics by limiting Minnesota to three hits in seven innings in his first start last Saturday. But he took a step back after allowing eight hits in three-plus innings. Garcia failed to retire the first four batters in the third and fourth.
Photo: Freddy Garcia works against the Blue Jays. (AP / Darren Calabrese)
It's become more obvious that Garcia has to rely more on command and control without the 94 mph fastball he possessed five years ago.
"No matter you (throw) 99 (mph) or 80, you don't throw strikes, you're going to get hurt," Guillen said. "Obviously, you're going to get hit easier when you don't have a plus fastball."
There are no worries, however, about the bullpen. Relievers Randy Williams, Sergio Santos, J.J. Putz and Scott Linebrink combined for 12 strikeouts in five innings and lowered the bullpen's ERA to 1.89. The bullpen hasn't allowed a run in 17 1/3 innings.
During this four-game series, there were scouts from at least eight teams. That's a large number considering that teams usually don't start making trades until at least one-fourth into their seasons.
Some observers speculated that teams might be interested in one of the Blue Jays' relievers. But it turned out that Toronto, looking for a speedy outfielder, acquired Freddy Lewis from San Francisco for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Lewis recently completed a minor league rehabilitation assignment for Triple-A Fresno.
The last time the Sox visited Toronto was in May of 2009. There weren't as many talent evaluators at the Rogers Centre at that time, but one interested scout was Ken Bracey, then with San Diego.
Less than three days after the Sox were swept by Toronto in a four-game series, the Sox unsuccessfully tried to acquire Jake Peavy from the Padres for four pitchers.
One of the pitchers Bracey scouted was Sox left-hander Clayton Richard, who limited Toronto to three hits in seven innings.
Richard ended up being traded 2 1/2 months later as part of a deal for Peavy.
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dubis18 said "The only thing worse than not winning in 100 years, is winning once in 100 years, and thinking you are a genius."
No, winning once in 100 years is certainly better.
Yep, the comparisons of Garcia to Colon, are accurate. Kenny and the Ozzeroo, and Hawkeroo, the Ranger, and Stoney all want you to believe this team should win 90 games. They sell snake oil.
And there is NO hope in the minors, as it is empty!
After 05 Kenny and Ozzie thought winning the WS gave them the right to claim they 'Wrote the book' on winning baseball. Especially in Chicago.
The only thing worse than not winning in 100 years, is winning once in 100 years, and thinking you are a genius. Their arrogance is coming to the fore front. And the "Chairman" along with these fools.
@ on April 16, 2010 9:42 AM
The Sox will struggle to win 80 games this year
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I agree. Last year the Sox had the fewest injuries in baseball and could only win 78 games. This year the Twins are a much better team than last year, even without Nathan, and I don't think many would say the Sox are a better team than they were last year.
If everything goes right for the Sox this year and they have no significant injuries, they should be able to get close to .500.
The Sox will struggle to win 80 games this year. As soon as the annual injuries to Peavy and Quentin happen, even 80 will look far fetched.
The Sox pitching is fantastic. They will win more than they lose. I don't know if Garcia will be part of the equation because Ozzie's right, the Jury is still out.
If Garcia can't cut it, Hudson will be #5 and do fine.
People worry too much. We have 152 games left.
I love that he got rocked....and I look forward to it continuing!
donWSox on April 16, 2010 7:41 AM
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Hey look it's the same idiot who thought Bartolo Colon was going to win 20 last year.
I can't believe how many people have no idea of what they are watching.
The Sox are about as bad as any team in baseball defensively and the lineup makes me wish we could switch places with the Nationals.
And anyone who thinks Garcia is an answer should never be listened to again.
This team will be lucky to beat last years record of 78 wins.
Socken fan,
I agree, it won't be long until the rest of MLB are nothing more than Yankee farm clubs.
I read where Madoff burned a hole in Reindorf's money pouch so it doesn't look good for us either unless he unloads his "Over The Hill Gang" and starts over with the kids.
I think it was a terrible blow to our chances last summer when Kenny unloaded that young talent for a sore arm pitcher, with a sore toe.
Sir Dragon of Mulberry
STUCK WITH THE SOX
This pitching news is getting bad, and could even get badder the next time Peavy pitches.
Sir Dragon of Mulberry
STUCK WITH THE SOX
It's early, Colon will be fine.