Get ready for more moves by Manuel
BALTIMORE--You ain't seen nothin' yet, Jerry Manuel promised Friday. And the next change could be a doozy.
The White Sox' experimental manager, who already has switched his closer and moved the franchise's home-run leader into the No. 6 spot in the order, said more eye-popping moves might be on the way soon.
He refused to give any hints but did say that when they are done, they will make some waves.
''I might have a few other things, but I won't announce anything yet,'' Manuel said. ''I have a couple of other moves left. I don't know; I'll let you know when I'll do it.''
Taking Keith Foulke out of the closer's role and moving Frank Thomas down in the order were things done out of necessity. Both players were struggling, and a wakeup call--not to mention an attempt at productivity--were in order.
What can he possibly do now? Assuming whatever he has up his sleeve has to do with the current roster--Manuel doesn't make roster moves--only a few things seem possible.
Aaron Rowand might be given the center-field spot over Kenny Lofton. Foulke might be converted into a starter, like he was early in his career. Todd Ritchie--gulp--might become the closer, similar to the move the Los Angeles Dodgers made with Eric Gagne. But those are only guesses.
Aside from that, Manuel has tried it already. Whatever it is, it should be interesting.
''Then you'll say 'Wow, what is he doing now? He needs to be fired. Hurry up and get him out of here,' '' Manuel joked. ''I can see it all right now: 'What's wrong with this man? He's gone crazy.' ''
STAYING PUT: Manager Jerry Manuel said Todd Ritchie (5-13, 5.98 ERA) will remain in the rotation for the time being.
''We're going to keep sending him out there, and hopefully he finds something that clicks and gets on a roll for us,'' Manuel said.
Ritchie is scheduled to start Monday's opener of a three-game series against the Twins at Comiskey Park. It is the first of 15 games the teams have left against each other.
BALTIMORE--You ain't seen nothin' yet, Jerry Manuel promised Friday. And the next change could be a doozy.
The White Sox' experimental manager, who already has switched his closer and moved the franchise's home-run leader into the No. 6 spot in the order, said more eye-popping moves might be on the way soon.
He refused to give any hints but did say that when they are done, they will make some waves.
''I might have a few other things, but I won't announce anything yet,'' Manuel said. ''I have a couple of other moves left. I don't know; I'll let you know when I'll do it.''
Taking Keith Foulke out of the closer's role and moving Frank Thomas down in the order were things done out of necessity. Both players were struggling, and a wakeup call--not to mention an attempt at productivity--were in order.
What can he possibly do now? Assuming whatever he has up his sleeve has to do with the current roster--Manuel doesn't make roster moves--only a few things seem possible.
Aaron Rowand might be given the center-field spot over Kenny Lofton. Foulke might be converted into a starter, like he was early in his career. Todd Ritchie--gulp--might become the closer, similar to the move the Los Angeles Dodgers made with Eric Gagne. But those are only guesses.
Aside from that, Manuel has tried it already. Whatever it is, it should be interesting.
''Then you'll say 'Wow, what is he doing now? He needs to be fired. Hurry up and get him out of here,' '' Manuel joked. ''I can see it all right now: 'What's wrong with this man? He's gone crazy.' ''
STAYING PUT: Manager Jerry Manuel said Todd Ritchie (5-13, 5.98 ERA) will remain in the rotation for the time being.
''We're going to keep sending him out there, and hopefully he finds something that clicks and gets on a roll for us,'' Manuel said.
Ritchie is scheduled to start Monday's opener of a three-game series against the Twins at Comiskey Park. It is the first of 15 games the teams have left against each other.
