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Man accused of breaking into WSox GM’s house

Hjtsfdlgqjzgz — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:09:55 +0000

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File

FILE- This Sept. 27, 2011 file photo shows Chicago White Sox’s general manager Kenny Williams talking to reporters before a baseball game in Chicago. Authorities say a homeless man broke into Williams’ downtown townhouse, had a bite to eat and drank a beer before he left wearing Williams’ clothes and his World Series ring.

A homeless man was arrested after he allegedly broke into the home of Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, drank some beer, made himself a pizza and even started to defrost a lobster before leaving wearing Williams’ clothes and his World Series ring.
A Cook County judge on Tuesday ordered 51-year-old Wayne Field III held in lieu of $100,000 on a felony charge of residential burglary.
Williams discovered the burglary of his townhouse in downtown Chicago when he returned from a trip Monday night. He saw beer bottles strewn about the house, frozen lobster that had been partially defrosted on a kitchen counter and the oven was still warm, a person with direct knowledge of what happened told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized by Williams to discuss the incident.
Not only that, but Williams’ bed was crumpled, as if someone had been on it.
“It was like Goldilocks,” said the person.
Police responding to the burglary spotted Field looking into the house from outside, said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Field told police his name, which matched the name on a hospital wristband found inside Williams’ home. As police were questioning Field further, Williams told them that Field was wearing some of his clothes.
Field told police that he had broken into the house over the weekend, Conklin said. After he was handcuffed, Williams realized that a watch and his 2005 World Series ring were missing, the person told the AP.
Williams “looks at the guy and says, ‘Where is my ring?’” said the person, adding that the man turned around and showed Williams his handcuffed hands and the ring on one of his fingers.
Williams retrieved his ring and watch, but no longer wanted his clothes that Field was wearing, the person said.
Conklin said he believed that Field was represented by a public defender. The public defender’s office could not immediately confirm that one of its attorneys represented Field during the hearing.

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Homeless man breaks into White Sox GM’s house

Annevetum — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:51:06 +0000

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO — Authorities say a homeless man broke into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams’ downtown townhouse, had a bite to eat and drank a beer before he left wearing Williams’ clothes and his World Series ring.

On Tuesday, a Cook County judge ordered 51-year-old Wayne Field III jailed in lieu of US$100,000 bond on a residential burglary charge.

Prosecutors say Williams discovered the Monday burglary when he returned home from a trip on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say police noticed Field standing near the home.

When they questioned him, police found he was wearing Williams’ clothes and carrying his watch and World Series ring. Authorities say Field admitted to the break in after police found a hospital bracelet with Field’s name on it inside the home.

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Homeless man accused of breaking into Chicago…

Chientern — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:22:07 +0000

CHICAGO — A homeless man was arrested after he allegedly broke into the home of Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, drank some beer, made himself a pizza and even started to defrost a lobster before leaving wearing Williams’ clothes and his World Series ring.

A Cook County judge on Tuesday ordered 51-year-old Wayne Field III held in lieu of $100,000 on a felony charge of residential burglary.

Williams discovered the burglary of his townhouse in downtown Chicago when he returned from a trip Monday night. He saw beer bottles strewn about the house, frozen lobster that had been partially defrosted on a kitchen counter and the oven was still warm, a person with direct knowledge of what happened told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized by Williams to discuss the incident.

Not only that, but Williams’ bed was crumpled, as if someone had been on it.

“It was like Goldilocks,” said the person.

Police responding to the burglary spotted Field looking into the house from outside, said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Field told police his name, which matched the name on a hospital wristband found inside Williams’ home. As police were questioning Field further, Williams told them that Field was wearing some of his clothes.

Field told police that he had broken into the house over the weekend, Conklin said. After he was handcuffed, Williams realized that a watch and his 2005 World Series ring were missing, the person told the AP.

Williams “looks at the guy and says, ‘Where is my ring?’” said the person, adding that the man turned around and showed Williams his handcuffed hands and the ring on one of his fingers.

Williams retrieved his ring and watch, but no longer wanted his clothes that Field was wearing, the person said.

Conklin said he believed that Field was represented by a public defender. The public defender’s office could not immediately confirm that one of its attorneys represented Field during the hearing.

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Could this be the final months for Buehrle in a…

sellpnmk — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:02:37 +0000

Mark Buehrle pitches at U.S. Cellular Field.

By Mark Gonzales

Tribune reporter

5:48 p.m. CDT, July 18, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mark Buehrle’s durability and effectiveness suggests that the Chicago White Sox’s left-handed ace could pitch for several more seasons.

But Buehrle, 32, repeatedly has been non-committal about his future. He can become a free agent after this season and currently holds no-trade rights.

Manager Ozzie Guillen said before Buehrle’s start Monday night at Kansas City that he would like him back with the Sox but knows there are other factors that are out of his hands.

“I wish I had the money and power to answer that question,” Guillen said. “Everyone knows how people feel about Mark Buehrle here in Chicago. I keep saying he’s one of my favorite players off the field and on the field. But in the meanwhile, do we want to see him in Chicago? Of course we do.

“But the plans out there, I cannot (say) yes or no. Do I want him? Yes, Does Kenny (Williams) want him? Yes. But we don’t talk about money, years. All kinds of stuff goes through it. I don’t know if we’ll keep him. If we keep him, fine. If we don’t, that’s part of the game. I wish it was in my hands, but it’s not in my hands.”

The Sox already have earmarked $93.5 million to 12 players for 2012, and Buehrle and fellow starter Edwin Jackson are eligible for free agency at the end of the 2011 season.

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White Sox’s Peavy excited for season debut

JJL — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:03:26 +0000

Updated: May 11, 2011, 2:58 PM ET

By Doug Padilla
ESPNChicago.com
Archive

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jake Peavy’s rocky 10-month path back to the major leagues will end Wednesday night when the former Cy Young Award winner returns to the Chicago White Sox’s starting rotation.

â€œ

I’ve cleared all the physical and mental hurdles I need to clear. I know I’m healthy and know my body is intact as it can be. I’m going to let it all hang out.

â€
– Jake Peavy

To make room on the roster, the White Sox announced that right-hander Jeff Gray has been designated for assignment. Gray will go through the waivers process where he can be claimed by another club.

Out since July 6 of last year when his latissimus dorsi muscle detached from the bone in a start against the Angels, Peavy will have a chance to pick up where he left off by facing the Angels once again.

Since the day of his injury Peavy has been through surgery, an offseason recovery program, rehab during spring training and two setbacks, the last during his minor league rehab assignment last month

“Certainly it will be different once again walking off the field facing the Angels and walking back on the field facing the Angels,” Peavy said. “It’s just funny how things work.”

Coming full circle won’t give Peavy any closure, though. Finding his Cy Young form is Peavy’s goal. Since coming over from the Padres in a midseason 2009 trade, Peavy has made just 20 starts in a White Sox uniform and has only shown flashes of his former brilliance.

When he was traded he was in the midst of recovery for an ankle injury. That issue has ultimately been blamed for getting Peavy out of his already unorthodox mechanics and leading to the muscle issue behind his right shoulder.

Peavy is 10-6 with a 4.11 ERA in a White Sox uniform. He had a 3.29 ERA in 211 starts in the National League.

“I certainly don’t think I’m at my peak by any means,” Peavy admitted. “I think I’m going to get better and stronger. But at the same time, this is as healthy as intact and fundamentally [sound] as I can recall being in Chicago. And I still believe this is the best team I’ve been on since I’ve been in Chicago. So I’m excited for [Wednesday] night and the rest of this year.”

Peavy reached the 100-pitch plateau in his final minor league rehab start last week. Pitching coach Don Cooper said he expects Peavy to throw between 80 and 100 pitches against the Angels, with the low end of that estimate being the most realistic.

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Where the White Sox’s staff will watch Peavy closely is when he has runners on base and pitches out of the stretch. He worked on that during his rehab starts, even when the bases were empty.

“Jake’s key is in the stretch position for me, to make sure he’s loading and lifting his left leg to balance a certain way and make sure he’s not going too quick,” Cooper said. “That sets his throwing angle. That’s what I’m going to watch. Also his rhythm and tempo.”

Despite the fact that he is still working on his endurance, Peavy said that he has every expectation that he will be competitive against the Angels, otherwise he wouldn’t be taking the mound.

“It’s exciting, no doubt about it,” said Peavy, who is calling this the most gratifying start of his career. “There’s a little extra excitement in my body to pitch in the big leagues. At the same time, once [Maicer] Izturis or [Erick Aybar] — whoever leads off — gets in there, the focus and concentration will be on getting him out. There’s anxiety and nerves there. But once you get between the white lines, I’ve done it enough to not really have nerves.

“I’ve cleared all the physical and mental hurdles I need to clear. I know I’m healthy and know my body is intact as it can be. I’m going to let it all hang out.”

Doug Padilla covers the White Sox for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.

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Lillibridge comes home feeling good

Liffcipsemofs — Sat, 07 May 2011 08:02:23 +0000

SEATTLE — Former Jackson High School star Brent Lillibridge is back this weekend for what’s becoming an annual return home with the Chicago White Sox, and this time he might actually get an at-bat.

Last year when the White Sox played the Mariners at Safeco Field, Lillibridge got into one game as a late replacement but was in the on-deck circle when it ended.

“My family was pretty upset about it,” he said. “But the last couple of years, my job wasn’t to play very much. This year it has changed a little bit.”

The 27-year-old Lillibridge is starting about once a week and getting fairly regular duty as a pinch hitter, pinch runner and defensive replacement, and best of all he’s producing. He entered the series against the Mariners batting .321 with three home runs in 28 at-bats.

And in the field, nobody in the major leagues has made an impact this season like Lillibridge did on April 26.

Playing right field at Yankee Stadium, he made two game-saving catches to record the final outs of the game and preserve a one-run victory against the Yankees. He made a long run to catch Alex Rodriguez’s deep drive at the wall, then a diving catch on Robinson Cano’s liner near the right-field line.

ESPN gave those plays considerable air time, and White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, whose bullpen has struggled this season, immediately said he’d found his new closer: Lillibridge.

“It was awesome,” Lillibridge said. “New York. Big stage. Two big plays, do-or-die plays. At the time we needed it, we needed a win over going extra innings. The family was excited, my friends were excited and Chicago was excited. It felt like a playoff victory.”

White Sox relief pitcher Matt Thornton, a former Mariner, said it was the first time he’d ever seen a player mobbed on the field by his teammates after a defensive play.

“There were 40,000 people there in New York screaming, thinking they had won that game when he (Cano) hit that ball, and then Brent makes the catch and everything was silent,” Thornton said. “He’s a great athlete and he has played well for us.”

It’s been a tough season for the White Sox, who arrived in Seattle 11-21. Personally, though, it has been a nice start for Lillibridge with or without his spectacular catches in New York. Despite coming up as a middle infielder, he is getting considerable playing time in the White Sox outfield.

“I’m enjoying it, it’s fun out there and they feel confident with me in the outfield,” he said.

He also has become comfortable with his role as a bench player, something young players often struggle with.

“The first couple of years it was rough,” he said. “Even when I was with Atlanta I got to start here and there, but it wasn’t like ‘Here’s a starting job for a month.’ It was, ‘Here’s a starting job for a couple of days.’ It’s frustrating. But you learn. You learn from mistakes. You learn from getting sent up and down, trying to figure out how to work it.

“Last year I figured it out a little bit how to come off the bench. This year I think I’ve fine-tuned it a little bit. I know if I go 0-for-4 one game, my average will drop below .300. So you just focus on quality at-bats when you get the chance and just play the game right.”

Playing a bench role can be a mental strain more than anything, he said.

“Having a routine is the biggest thing, learning that around the fifth inning you start getting loose, swing the bat,” he said. “I have a very set routine just to keep my mind in it. I hope one day that I’ll be a starter. But if this is how I can start to have success, I’m fine with it.”

Lillibridge also is showing the power side of his game offensively. His three home runs already match his major league total going into this season, and he’s hitting the ball hard consistently.

“I’m a little older, but the big thing is that I’m just squaring the ball up,” he said. “My swing feels good and I’m swinging at good pitches. That’s the biggest thing. I’ve swung at a lot of good pitches so far and I’ve hit the ball hard.”

Because of that, Lillibridge’s family and friends might get to see him as much on the field this weekend as they did Thursday — a White Sox off day — for a gathering back home.

“We had a little party and we had a good showing,” he said. “It’s kind of humbling that so many people wanted to show up and see me. It’s nice to see familiar faces and wake up in my own bed and go play baseball instead of just going to work out. It’s enjoyable and I’m definitely lucky.”

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White Sox Lose To Tigers For 9th Loss In 10 Games

ThatitahVap — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:48:39 +0000

DETROIT – The Chicago White Sox are struggling at the plate, on the mound and in the field.Brad Penny and Ryan Raburn took advantage.Penny gave up only one hit, which could’ve been ruled an error, and Raburn drove in three runs to help the Detroit Tigers beat Chicago 9-0 Sunday.”Right now, we’re getting our heads beat in,” Juan Pierre said. “A week ago, we might have been the best team in baseball, and right now we might be the worst.”The White Sox have lost nine of 10 after starting the season 7-4.”We’re not hitting, we’re not making pitches and we are making blunders in the field,” A.J. Pierzynski said.The White Sox have scored just 32 runs in its last 12 games.They didn’t score any for Edwin Jackson (2-2) on a day he really needed the support at the plate and from his teammates on defense.Jackson (2-2) gave up eight runs – seven earned – on 12 hits and four walks over 5 2-3 innings.”Jax just didn’t have a slider at all,” Pierzynski said. “It was just spinning up there, and usually it is his best pitch. They got a lot of hits off bad sliders, and that normally never happens.”Jackson held the Tigers scoreless through three innings, then they scored five in the fourth thanks in part to some poor defense and three more in the sixth.Jhonny Peralta’s liner to left was mishandled by Pierre, letting two runs score. Alex Avila followed with a triple on a deep fly that faded away from center fielder Alex Rios, allowing two more to score. Brandon Inge scored the final run of the inning on a headfirst slide, beating a throw from shortstop Ramirez on a fielder’s choice.Penny had a no-hit bid broken up on what was ruled an infield single.With one-out in the sixth inning, Brent Morel hit a chopper down the third-base line. Inge backhanded it behind the bag and made a throw in the dirt that first baseman Miguel Cabrera couldn’t field cleanly to attempt a tag on Morel.Official scorer Ron Kleinfelter called it a hit, not an error that would’ve kept the no-hitter intact, after watching the replay.”My decision is based on my understanding and application of ordinary effort,” Kleinfelter said 45 minutes after the game. “Based on that, I stand by my call. It was a base hit. Pure and simple.”Most of 35,227 fans at Comerica Park booed, but Tigers manager Jim Leyland agreed with Kleinfelter’s decision and Penny didn’t have a problem with it.Chicago’s Juan Pierre, who was standing in the on-deck circle during the play, also thought the scorer got it right.”There’s no way that’s a routine play,” Pierre said. “Inge makes a lot of plays look routine, but that doesn’t mean they are, especially since Mo can get down the line.”White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he hopes his players are tired of getting beat.”We need to cut this off right now,” Guillen said. “It seems like we are waiting every day to lose the game. It is time to show people how good we are.”NOTES: White Sox RHP Jake Peavy is scheduled to throw on the side Sunday, taking another step toward a tentatively scheduled start April 28 after his surgically repaired shoulder was tender and irritated. … Morel had a team-high two hits.

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Chicago White Sox In Town For Exhibition Against Winston-Salem Dash

Nakaltos — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:09:30 +0000

Winston-Salem, N.C.–The Rain stopped early Wednesday allowing the exhibition game between the Chicago White Sox and Winston-Salem Dash to take place.

Players from both teams were on the field Tuesday Afternoon for Batting and Infield Practice.

Click on the video links to see the White Sox practice and hear from A.J. Pierzynski, Mark Buehrle and Manager Ozzie Guillen.

WFMY News 2 Sports

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White Sox Open New Bar And Restaurant

alexiiccobh — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:54:49 +0000

U.S. Cellular Field (Photo Credit: Getty Images, By: Jonathan Daniel)

On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox announced a new bar and restaurant will be opening up at Gate 5 of U.S. Cellular Field.

Bacardi at the Park will open on April 7, the White Sox home opener and will be open to the public during games. It will be operated by Gibsons Restaurant Group and the menu will feature Gibsons prime angus beef hamburgers, hand cut French fries, and in-house smoked barbecue baby back ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket.

â€œWhat we have heard from fans through the years is they would like more places to go before and after White Sox games, and with Bacardi at the Park, we are offering yet another option,â€ said Brooks Boyer, White Sox vice president of sales and marketing.

The White Sox will open their 2011 season in Cleveland, but will make their home debut against the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a long 10-game home stand.

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Tito calls end to Jenks-Guillen feud

SilvaCecile22 — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:04:45 +0000

FORT MYERS â€” Terry Francona has delivered a message to outspoken Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen regarding his war of words with new Red Sox [team stats] reliever Bobby Jenks:

Enough is enough.

After each side lobbed more verbal bombs over the past two days, Francona stepped in to mediate the situation. He spoke to Jenks and left messages for Guillen that he reinforced by contacting Joey Cora, a member of Guillenâ€™s coaching staff and brother of former Red Sox infielder Alex Cora [stats].

â€œThatâ€™s over,â€ Francona said of the situation. â€œI donâ€™t care if they like each other, but Bobbyâ€™s a Red Sox and we have to move on.â€

Last week, Jenks told the Chicago Tribune that the frequent clashes between Guillen and the White Sox front office provided a negative atmosphere for the team. Guillen countered yesterday by annihilating Jenksâ€™ character and work ethic and announcing that the White Sox donâ€™t miss their former closer.

â€œFirst of all, he canâ€™t make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse,â€ Guillen jabbed. â€œThe only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people; … we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field.â€

Earlier in the offseason, after the White Sox non-tendered Jenks and he signed with the Red Sox, Jenks said he was looking forward to pitching for a manager who knows how to utilitze his bullpen. Guillenâ€™s son, Oney Guillen, reacted with a series of profane messages on Twitter.

â€œIt is what it is,â€ Jenks said today. â€œAt this point, you know, Iâ€™m tired of it. I just want to move on. Iâ€™m a Red Sox now, and thatâ€™s all Iâ€™m going to worry about. From this point on, Iâ€™ve got nothing else to say.â€

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White Sox’ Guillen sounds off on Jenks

Compton23Georgia — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:43:07 +0000

GLENDALE, Ariz. â€”

The wish for a â€œdrama-freeâ€ year lasted all of nine days for Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen responded Saturday to comments by former closer Bobby Jenks, saying he feels bad for the new Boston Red Sox reliever.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jenks was critical of the White Sox front office.

â€œA lot of the stuff with Ozzie and the front office gets old,â€ Jenks said. â€œIt has been a problem for a long time. It was a problem before last year. Itâ€™s going to be nice for me to see how things are done here.â€

Initially attempting to hold back and take the high road, Guillen ended up talking about the situation for over seven minutes.

â€œFirst of all, he canâ€™t make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse,â€ Guillen jabbed. â€œThe only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people … we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field.â€

But Guillen was just getting started.

â€œItâ€™s very sad because he should look at himself in the mirror and all the things he said in the paper to realize what he said. Like I said in January, if there was one player I ever managed, I do more stuff for him than anybody else on the field and off the field.â€

Guillen was more concerned about what the reaction would be from his Twitter-happy son, Oney.

â€œI just talked to Oney to make sure he lets that thing go. But if Oney said everything he knows about Bobby Jenks, it wouldnâ€™t be a pretty thing,â€ he said. â€œI respect his wife, I respect his kid. Iâ€™m not even mad. I wish I was mad about it because I will rip his throat (out).â€
Â

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White Sox manager sounds off on Jenks

Unsogycoesy — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:57:11 +0000

UpdatedÂ Feb 26, 2011 4:06 PM ET

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)

The wish for a ”drama-free” year lasted all of nine days for Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen responded Saturday to comments by former closer Bobby Jenks, saying he feels bad for the new Boston Red Sox reliever.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jenks was critical of the White Sox front office.

”A lot of the stuff with Ozzie and the front office gets old,” Jenks said. ”It has been a problem for a long time. It was a problem before last year. It’s going to be nice for me to see how things are done here.”

Initially attempting to hold back and take the high road, Guillen ended up talking about the situation for over seven minutes.

”First of all, he can’t make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse,” Guillen jabbed. ”The only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people . . . we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field.”

But Guillen was just getting started.

”It’s very sad because he should look at himself in the mirror and all the things he said in the paper to realize what he said. Like I said in January, if there was one player I ever managed, I do more stuff for him than anybody else on the field and off the field.”

Guillen was more concerned about what the reaction would be from his Twitter-happy son, Oney.

”I just talked to Oney to make sure he lets that thing go. But if Oney said everything he knows about Bobby Jenks, it wouldn’t be a pretty thing,” he said. ”I respect his wife, I respect his kid. I’m not even mad. I wish I was mad about it because I will rip his throat (out).”

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Spring Training 2011: Michael Waltrip, NASCAR team visit Chicago White Sox

Compton23Georgia — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:06:43 +0000

Updated: February 26, 2011, 3:45 PM ET

By Doug Padilla
ESPNChicago.com
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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two days before the green flag drops on the Cactus League schedule, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip brought his racing team into the Chicago White Sox clubhouse.

The former Daytona 500 winner, in town this weekend for Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup races, found there was plenty of NASCAR love emanating from the room.

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Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Jake Peavy, Adam Dunn and A.J. Pierzynski crowded around Waltrip and his crew, along with drivers David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex. Reutimann won last year’s Sprint Cup race in Chicago, one of two he has won on the circuit.

“I love baseball,” Waltrip said. “Just getting to peek inside the game, I feel really honored to be here just to see [it]. You watch a game on TV and you don’t really think about all the things that go into it or what’s behind the preparation. These guys have just been really nice to me, they make me feel like I’m part of the team. I really enjoy seeing this.”

All four drivers suited up in a full White Sox uniform before taking the field to work out with the club. For Waltrip, it was the first time since Little League he has donned baseball gear, a memory he had been trying to forget.

“Little League didn’t go well for me,” Waltrip said. “We had the best team and I played third base, and everyone in the infield made the All-Star team but me. I determined at a very young age that it was probably going to be important for me to make a living sitting on my [rear end].”

Waltrip, a Braves fan, said he was pleased to meet a jovial Ozzie Guillen, even if the manager asked him why his locker was in “Latin Corner” and why he wasn’t suiting up “with the rednecks.” Buehrle, Danks, Peavy and Dunn affectionately call their line of lockers “Redneck Row.”

“I loved his energy, you know? Saturday morning, spring training … he bops in here like we’re getting ready to play Game 7 of the World Series,” Waltrip said. “That was fun seeing Ozzie and his energy. It’s pretty obvious why people love playing for him.”

Before he took the field, Waltrip was ready to add the day to his memorable sporting moments.

“I did play Augusta once,” he said. “I’ve played crappy golf at a bunch of nice courses. Now I’m fixing to bring that same level to the baseball field. I’m happy about all this. This is fun.”

Buehrle and Peavy were on hand for Friday night’s truck race, making it the first NASCAR event Buehrle has ever attended. Buehrle, Danks, Dunn, Pierzynski and Gordon Beckham were scheduled to attend Saturday night’s Craftsman Series race, sitting along pit row with Waltrip’s crew.

Peavy, who is friends with NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, is expected to attend Sunday’s Sprint Cup race.

Doug Padilla covers the White Sox for ESPNChicago.com.

Not much else going on in the MLB planet today.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen sounds off on former closer Bobby Jenks

liDcAIOiB — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:55:26 +0000

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The wish for a “drama-free” year lasted all of nine days for Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen responded Saturday to comments by former closer Bobby Jenks, saying he feels bad for the new Boston Red Sox reliever.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jenks was critical of the White Sox front office.

“A lot of the stuff with Ozzie and the front office gets old,” Jenks said. “It has been a problem for a long time. It was a problem before last year. It’s going to be nice for me to see how things are done here.”

Initially attempting to hold back and take the high road, Guillen ended up talking about the situation for over seven minutes.

“First of all, he can’t make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse,” Guillen jabbed. “The only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people … we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field.”

But Guillen was just getting started.

“It’s very sad because he should look at himself in the mirror and all the things he said in the paper to realize what he said. Like I said in January, if there was one player I ever managed, I do more stuff for him than anybody else on the field and off the field.”

Guillen was more concerned about what the reaction would be from his Twitter-happy son, Oney.

“I just talked to Oney to make sure he lets that thing go. But if Oney said everything he knows about Bobby Jenks, it wouldn’t be a pretty thing,” he said. “I respect his wife, I respect his kid. I’m not even mad. I wish I was mad about it because I will rip his throat (out).”

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Guillen sounds off on former closer Jenks

Lomoinokilalt — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:02:22 +0000

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)â€”The wish for a â€œdrama-freeâ€ year lasted all of nine days for Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen responded Saturday to comments by former closer Bobby Jenks(notes), saying he feels bad for the new Boston Red Sox reliever.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jenks was critical of the White Sox front office.

Initially attempting to hold back and take the high road, Guillen ended up talking about the situation for over seven minutes.

â€œFirst of all, he canâ€™t make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse,â€ Guillen jabbed. â€œThe only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people â€¦ we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field.â€

But Guillen was just getting started.

Guillen was more concerned about what the reaction would be from his Twitter-happy son, Oney.

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