INSIDER
White Sox snap their 12-game skid with an 8-1 win over Baltimore
Read full article: White Sox snap their 12-game skid with an 8-1 win over BaltimoreJonathan Cannon pitched into the sixth inning and the Chicago White Sox homered three times, snapping their 12-game losing streak with an 8-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Chourio gets $82 million, 8-year deal with Brewers, largest before a player's big league debut
Read full article: Chourio gets $82 million, 8-year deal with Brewers, largest before a player's big league debutOutfielder Jackson Chourio agreed to the largest contract for a player with no major league experience, an $82 million, eight-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Vladimir Guerrero joins Vladimir Sr. as first father-son Home Run Derby winners
Read full article: Vladimir Guerrero joins Vladimir Sr. as first father-son Home Run Derby winnersTorontoโs Vladimir Guerrero Jr, joined Vladimir Sr. to become the first father-son duo to win the All-Star Home Run Derby, beating Tampa Bayโs Randy Arozarena 25-23 in the final round.
Cuba picks 5 MLB affiliated players for World Classic
Read full article: Cuba picks 5 MLB affiliated players for World ClassicCubans signed with Major League Baseball organizations and other foreign clubs will for the first time join domestic stars on the national team that will play in the World Baseball Classic.
AP source: White Sox hire Royals coach Grifol as manager
Read full article: AP source: White Sox hire Royals coach Grifol as managerA person familiar with the situation says the Chicago White Sox have hired Kansas City Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol to replace Hall of Famer Tony La Russa as their manager.
LEADING OFF: Bosox try to recover from Toronto's run rampage
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Bosox try to recover from Toronto's run rampageJarren Duran and the Red Sox will try to shake off what happened at Fenway Park, where Toronto went on a run rampage that included an inside-the-park grand slam thanks to Duranโs misplay and negligence.
White Sox take advantage of error, score 2 in 8th of 4-2 win over Tigers
Read full article: White Sox take advantage of error, score 2 in 8th of 4-2 win over TigersLeft fielder Robbie Grossman dropped Luis Robertโs short fly with two outs in the eighth to end his record errorless streak at 440 games and set up two unearned Chicago runs that snapped a tie, lifting the White Sox to a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Rookie Brieske outduels Cease, Tigers beat White Sox 2-1
Read full article: Rookie Brieske outduels Cease, Tigers beat White Sox 2-1Rookie Beau Brieske tossed two-hit ball into the seventh inning while outpitching Dylan Cease, Javier Bรกez homered and the Detroit Tigers hung on beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1.
Ohtani Ks 11, extends scoreless streak in 4-1 win over WSox
Read full article: Ohtani Ks 11, extends scoreless streak in 4-1 win over WSoxShohei Ohtani extended his scoreless streak to 21 2/3 innings while pitching five-hit ball into the sixth with 11 strikeouts in the Los Angeles Angelsโ 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
LEADING OFF: Astros vs Yanks, Musgrove returns to face Phils
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Astros vs Yanks, Musgrove returns to face PhilsAmerican League powerhouses square off when Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees host Yordan รlvarez and the Houston Astros in the opener of a highly anticipated four-game series Thursday night.
Cortes pitches 8 crisp innings as Yankees beat White Sox 5-1
Read full article: Cortes pitches 8 crisp innings as Yankees beat White Sox 5-1Nestor Cortes pitched a career-high eight innings and the New York Yankees took advantage of Michael Kopechโs one wild stretch by beating the Chicago White Sox 5-1.
Robert RBI hit in 9th, Chisox end Yanks' 5-game win string
Read full article: Robert RBI hit in 9th, Chisox end Yanks' 5-game win stringLuis Robert singled off Aroldis Chapman to drive in the winning run in the ninth inning and Chicago White Sox edged the Yankees 3-2, stopping New Yorkโs five-game winning streak.
Cease, White Sox shut down Trout, Angels; Ohtani pinch hits
Read full article: Cease, White Sox shut down Trout, Angels; Ohtani pinch hitsDylan Cease struck out 11 to match a career best and gave up just one hit in seven sparkling innings, propelling the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Trout HR, Lorenzen, Angels hold off Chisox; DH Ohtani exits
Read full article: Trout HR, Lorenzen, Angels hold off Chisox; DH Ohtani exitsMike Trout homered, doubled and scored three runs, Michael Lorenzen pitched into the ninth inning and the Los Angeles Angels held off the Chicago White Sox 6-5 for their seventh win in eight games.
Ward, Ohtani homer to back 3-hitter, Angels top ChiSox 5-1
Read full article: Ward, Ohtani homer to back 3-hitter, Angels top ChiSox 5-1Taylor Ward and Shohei Ohtani hit first-inning solo home runs off Lucas Giolito and the Los Angeles Angels rode a combined three-hitter to their sixth straight win, 5-1 over the Chicago White Sox.
Back from suspension, Anderson helps White Sox rout Tigers
Read full article: Back from suspension, Anderson helps White Sox rout TigersTim Anderson swung right back into action after serving a suspension stemming from an incident last season, hitting two doubles and a single as the Chicago White Sox routed the Detroit Tigers 10-1.
Garcรญa, Grandal shine as White Sox beat Astros 12-6 in ALDS
Read full article: Garcรญa, Grandal shine as White Sox beat Astros 12-6 in ALDSLeury Garcรญa and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Grandalโs borderline baserunning helped the Chicago White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 to stay alive in their AL Division Series.
White Sox clinch AL Central with 7-2 win over Indians
Read full article: White Sox clinch AL Central with 7-2 win over IndiansThe Chicago White Sox clinched their first AL Central title since 2008 with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians in a doubleheader opener behind two home runs by Tim Anderson.
Gallo homers twice, Judge goes deep again, Yanks top ChiSox
Read full article: Gallo homers twice, Judge goes deep again, Yanks top ChiSoxJoey Gallo hit a two-run shot in the 10th inning for his second homer of the game, Aaron Judge went deep again and had four RBIs, and the New York Yankees outlasted the Chicago White Sox 7-5 in another back-and-forth thriller.
LEADING OFF: Bosox-Yanks open 2nd half; trade deadline looms
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Bosox-Yanks open 2nd half; trade deadline loomsThe second half of the major league baseball season begins with one game Thursday night when Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and the AL East-leading Red Sox visit Yankee Stadium.
Giolito fires back at Donaldson, White Sox beat Twins 7-6
Read full article: Giolito fires back at Donaldson, White Sox beat Twins 7-6Lucas Giolito lobbed an expletive-laced response in Josh Donaldsonโs direction after the slugger appeared to yell โNot sticky anymore,โ after a first-inning homer, overshadowing Gavin Sheetsโ successful debut for the White Sox in a 7-6 victory over the Twins.
LEADING OFF: Ohtani, Schwarber staging own home run derby
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Ohtani, Schwarber staging own home run derbyLos Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to become the second player and first since Babe Ruth to start on the mound and hit in the top half of the batting order in the Bronx.
LEADING OFF: MLB crackdown coming, deGrom up, Glasnow down
Read full article: LEADING OFF: MLB crackdown coming, deGrom up, Glasnow downNow that Major League Baseball has detailed the coming crackdown on illegal substances, pitchers must get prepared to command their stuff without the same sort of tacky aides.
Will wonders never Cease? Chisox pitcher's bat, arm top Reds
Read full article: Will wonders never Cease? Chisox pitcher's bat, arm top RedsDylan Cease pitched one-hit ball for six innings, struck out 11 and amazingly got three hits in his first pro plate appearances as the Chicago White Sox routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-0.
LEADING OFF: Minor league opening day, Dodgers' May needs TJ
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Minor league opening day, Dodgers' May needs TJFrom the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks.
White Sox's Robert could miss rest of year with hip flexor
Read full article: White Sox's Robert could miss rest of year with hip flexorWhite Sox center fielder Luis Robert could miss the remainder of the season because of a torn right hip flexor, another major blow for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
Read full article: Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluatedThe Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finish
Read full article: Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finishTrevor Williams went five innings in his fourth start, allowing a run on three hits. Austin Gomber made his fourth start for Colorado, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. Dylan Cease made his second start, allowing three hits and three walks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Boyd made his fourth start, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in four innings, striking out five. Tyler Anderson went five innings in his fourth start for Pittsburgh, giving up one run on two hits.
LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchers
Read full article: LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchersStarter Zach Eflin pitched four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out four without a walk. ROCKIES 2, MARINERS 1Kyle Freeland allowed three hits in four shutout innings in his second start for Colorado, striking out four. Seattle's Marco Gonzales threw four shutout innings in his second start, allowing two hits while striking out four. Martรญn Pรฉrez made his second start, allowing two hits and a walk in four scoreless innings. ATHLETICS 5, REDS 2 (7)Oakland lefty Sean Manaea struck out four in three innings, allowing one run and three hits.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
Read full article: Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgeryI look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.โLESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Sotoโs spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattleโs top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
Jose Abreu tests positive for virus; Miller says he had it
Read full article: Jose Abreu tests positive for virus; Miller says he had itChicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn adjusts his face covering as he watches players during baseball spring training Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Phoenix. When he walks in the door, itโs going to be a huge moment for the 2021 White Sox. The guys canโt wait to see him, and he canโt wait to see them.โAdAbreu helped the White Sox return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. In the first batch of results disclosed by the league last Friday, 13 positive tests were found among 4,336 samples. It will be the first time since last spring training that they played in front of fans.
Detroit Tigers reportedly sign outfielder Nomar Mazara to MLB deal
Read full article: Detroit Tigers reportedly sign outfielder Nomar Mazara to MLB dealDETROIT โ The Detroit Tigers have reportedly signed former top 15 outfield prospect Nomar Mazara to a one-year major league deal. Mazara gets $1.75M plus incentives on Tigers MLB deal โ Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2021In five seasons since debuting as a 20-year-old in 2016, Mazara has been a very average MLB hitter, slashing .258/.318/.426 (.744 OPS). AdLast season, Mazara got just 149 plate appearances with the Chicago White Sox, partly because of injuries and partly because of roster depth in Chicago. Mazara is the fourth offensive signing the Tigers have made at the MLB level this offseason. AdDetroit also signed Renato Nunez and Greg Garcia to minor league deals, with invitations to MLB spring training.
Adam Eaton and White Sox finalize $8 million, 1-year deal
Read full article: Adam Eaton and White Sox finalize $8 million, 1-year dealCHICAGO โ Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract on Thursday that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. Eaton figures to play alongside Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert, with slugger Eloy Jimรฉnez in left and Adam Engel likely the fourth outfielder. He would earn $100,000 for World Series MVP, $75,000 for League Championship Series MVP, $25,000 for Gold Glove, $15,000 for Silver Slugger, $25.000 for All-Star election, $15,000 for All-Star selection and $50,000 for making The Sports News all-star team.
Arenado, Gordon each win 8th Gold Glove; Betts gets 5th
Read full article: Arenado, Gordon each win 8th Gold Glove; Betts gets 5thArenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)ST. LOUIS โ Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row on Tuesday, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston. Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove โ and fourth straight โ in his final major league season. They were joined by seven first-time winners, including Indians second baseman Cรฉsar Hernรกndez. Arenado and Robert earned $9,259, prorated portions of $25,000, and OโNeill earned $3,704, a prorated portion of $10,000.
Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards
Read full article: Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards(AP Photo/Eric Gay)Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts could become the second player to win the MVP award in each league, and New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is in the running for his third consecutive NL Cy Young Award. Betts, Freddie Freeman and Manny Machado are the top finishers for NL MVP in balloting by the Baseball Writersโ Association of America. DeGrom, Trevor Bauer and Yu Darvish are the finalists in the NL Cy Young race. Betts, who won the 2018 AL MVP award with Boston, helped the Dodgers win the World Series last week for the first time since 1988. Frank Robinson is the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, accomplishing the feat in 1961 with Cincinnati and 1966 for Baltimore.
World Series Notebook: Urรญas, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4
Read full article: World Series Notebook: Urรญas, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4The left-hander finished that series with three perfect innings, the last two protecting a 4-3 lead in Game 7 and sending LA to the World Series against Tampa Bay. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches out of the bullpen in Game 1 of the World Series. โIโm going to throw until they take the ball out of my hands,โ Yarbrough said. Thatโs how you win a World Series,โ said Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, who was part of the Red Sox when they beat Los Angeles in the World Series two years ago. Turner's 75th career postseason hit was a double that set up Max Muncy's two-run single in the third.
AP source: Angels give White Sox OK to interview La Russa
Read full article: AP source: Angels give White Sox OK to interview La RussaCHICAGO โ The Los Angeles Angels granted the Chicago White Sox permission to interview Hall of Famer Tony La Russa for their managing job, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday. A three-time World Series-winning manager, the 76-year-old La Russa joined the Angels prior to this season as senior advisor of baseball operations. La Russa, who started his managing career with the White Sox during the 1979 season, hasn't managed since 2011, when he led St. Louis past Texas in the World Series. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has long regretted that move and remains close with La Russa. If La Russa gets the job, he will inherit a team that appears poised for long-term success.
Pinder delivers timely hit, A's advance in playoffs at last
Read full article: Pinder delivers timely hit, A's advance in playoffs at lastOakland stopped a nine-game losing streak in winner-take-all postseason games, a major league record that dated to the 1973 World Series. โI woke up this morning feeling like this was going to be a hard game and it was a hard game,โ Melvin said. The low-budget A's had not captured a winner-take-all postseason game since beating Hall of Famer Willie Mays and the New York Mets. That prompted White Sox star Tim Anderson to say, โI guess they havenโt done their homework.โโItโs a tough one to swallow but we've got to keep going,โ Anderson said. HURLING ITThe 17 pitchers, nine by Chicago, were the most in a nine-inning postseason game.
LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked in
Read full article: LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked inThe Marlins, Phillies, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers and Giants are the top teams still in contention -- and theyโre packed tightly with slots available for one team from the NL East, another from the NL Central and then two wild cards. The Mets (26-31) and Rockies (25-31) are mathematically eligible but need to win out just to have a shot. AL-MOST OVEROnly one playoff spot remains open in the AL, and Michael Brantley and the Astros are on the verge of clinching it. The Twins are trying to seal the AL Central. The Chisox have lost five in a row, dropping them out of the AL Central lead and one game behind Minnesota.
White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spot
Read full article: White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spotChicago White Sox's Jose Abreu (79) and Eloy Jimenez celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins in baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. The White Sox clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO โ After clinching a postseason berth for the first time since 2008, the Chicago White Sox were low key during their on-field celebration. The White Sox assured themselves of no worse than a wild-card berth. White Sox: RHP Jonathan Stiever (0-0, 2.45 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Cincinnati.
Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win
Read full article: Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight winChicago White Sox starting pitcher Dane Dunning delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win
Read full article: Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight winChicago White Sox starting pitcher Dane Dunning delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Chicago. The AL-best White Sox also moved 16 games over .500 for the first time since they were 71-55 on Aug. 26, 2012. Byron Buxton hit his third career inside-the-park homer for Minnesota, but the Twins finished with just four hits. But the White Sox went ahead to stay with three runs in the bottom of the third. White Sox: LHP Jace Fry threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings after he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
Engel gets big hit as White Sox top Twins 3-1
Read full article: Engel gets big hit as White Sox top Twins 3-1Chicago White Sox's Adam Engel (15) celebrates with catcher Yasmani Grandal and relief pitcher Alex Colome the team's 3-1 win over the Minnesota Twins after a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO โ Adam Engel delivered a tiebreaking pinch-hit single in the eighth inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 3-1 on Monday night to increased their lead in the AL Central. The White Sox (31-16) moved two games ahead of the second-place Twins (30-19). White Sox reliever Gio Gonzรกlez retired the first two batters in the eighth before issuing consecutive walks. The White Sox are off to their best start since they were 31-15 in 2006.
Nationals in a hole, and this year they're short on time
Read full article: Nationals in a hole, and this year they're short on timeWashington Nationals' Carter Kieboom walks away after popping out to end a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)For a second straight season, the Washington Nationals are off to an awful start. CUTTING IT CLOSEWhile the Nationals have struggled from the start, the New York Yankees figured to be in the clear for a postseason spot after their 16-6 start. In 1993, San Diego executed an infamous fire sale, dealing Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield in the middle of the season. He would go on to become a six-time All-Star for San Diego and, eventually, a Hall of Famer.
Giolito fans 13, White Sox tame Tigers 5-0 to complete sweep
Read full article: Giolito fans 13, White Sox tame Tigers 5-0 to complete sweepChicago White Sox's Tim Anderson reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
Cardinals RP allows 4 straight HRs vs White Sox in ML debut
Read full article: Cardinals RP allows 4 straight HRs vs White Sox in ML debutSt. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Roel Ramirez, bottom, returns to the mound after giving up a home run to Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu, top, during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO St. Louis Cardinals reliever Roel Ramirez became the first pitcher to allow four straight home runs in his major league debut when the Chicago White Sox hit him around in the fifth inning Sunday. Ramirez took the mound in the fifth with St. Louis leading 1-0. Manager Mike Shildt replaced Ramirez with Seth Elledge, and he struck out Edwin Encarnacion on three straight pitches to end the inning. Ramirez is among the players promoted by the Cardinals following a COVID-19 outbreak that stalled St. Louis' season for 2 1/2 weeks.
White Sox hit 4 straight HRs vs Cardinals reliever in debut
Read full article: White Sox hit 4 straight HRs vs Cardinals reliever in debut(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO The Chicago White Sox tied a major league record with four consecutive home runs, all against reliever Roel Ramirez in his major league debut, and went on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday. The White Sox got another solid start from Dallas Keuchel (3-2) and won for just the third time in 11 home games. St. Louis Dakota Hudson (0-2) held the White Sox to a run and two hits over four innings in his first start since July 26. White Sox: RHP Reynaldo Lpez (shoulder soreness), who threw Friday, is scheduled for another session Monday. White Sox: LHP Gio Gonzlez (0-1, 6.61) gets another shot at the Tigers and his first Chicago win.
Yelich hits inside-the-park homer, Brewers beat White Sox
Read full article: Yelich hits inside-the-park homer, Brewers beat White SoxMilwaukee Brewers' Christian Yelich, right, celebrates with manager Craig Counsell after hitting an inside-the-park home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO Christian Yelich hit his first career inside-the-park homer and walked four times, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago White Sox 8-3 on Thursday night. Jedd Gyorko homered and drove in three runs for Milwaukee, and Mark Mathias had two hits with two RBIs. The Brewers and White Sox split a home-and-home series, with each team winning two games in their opponent's ballpark. Rookie phenom Luis Robert went 0 for 4 with four strikeouts as the White Sox dropped their second straight game game after winning six in a row.
MLB doubleheaders could get shortened to 7-inning games
Read full article: MLB doubleheaders could get shortened to 7-inning gamesThe players association is surveying members and may propose either two seven-inning games for a twinbill or nine innings for the opener and seven for the nightcap. Phillies general Matt Klentak said seven-inning games are possible for the twinbill. NCAA rules allow the options of two nine-inning games, a seven and a nine or two sevens. Given modern usage of pitchers, Maddon said the shortened game would be the equivalent of starting the games in the third inning. The sixth inning, the fifth inning play differently based on when the game is supposed to conclude, he said.
Big league debuts to be made without family, friends on hand
Read full article: Big league debuts to be made without family, friends on handWhen the decision was made to play an abbreviated 60-game major league season without fans, it meant that anybody making their debut would do so without their support system there to enjoy it. Or little league and high school coaches that taught them to throw a curveball or turn a double play. So it's no wonder that one of baseball's time-honored traditions is for family and friends to be sitting in the stands when a youngster debuts. I feel strong and I feel better than I ever have.He won't be the only player to make his big league debut this season. Just try to help this team win.