Jon Garland Finding His Form

by user Fornelli

The White Sox were very patient for a few years with Jon Garland. In his first few seasons on the South Side, Garland was very inconsistent. He would often end his season with a record of 12-10, but all along White Sox coaches and staff saw more than what Garland was showing.

Then last season the Jon Garland the Sox knew was there finally emerged. Garland went 8-0 in the first half of the 2005 season, earning himself an All-Star Game appearance. In the second half though, Garland regressed to his old form. Garland carried that inconsistency with him into the playoffs, throwing a complete game victory against Anaheim, and then getting roughed up a bit in Game 3 of the World Series, though the Sox still pulled out the victory.

This season started a lot like last ended. Garland was trying to live on the outside part of the plate and getting crushed everytime he made a mistake. The White Sox offense protected his Win-Loss record a bit, but it still couldn't hide his sky high ERA.

In Garland's first 12 starts in 2006 he was 4-3 with a 6.20ERA.

Then, Garland realized during a loss in Toronto, that he needed to keep attacking hitters' hands, like he had done in the first half of 2005. Ever since, Garland has been completely revitalized. As I mentioned in my White Sox Mid Season Grades piece, if Garland keeps throwing this way he could be the most important starter in the White Sox rotation in the second half.

Last night Jon started a pretty key game for the Sox at Comerica Park against the division leading, and MLB's best record holder, Detroit Tigers. Garland threw 7 innings, giving up only 6 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run. The White Sox offense provided more than enough as the Sox took the first game of a key series 7-1.

Garlands numbers in his last 5 starts? 5-0 2.83ERA.

THAT is the Jon Garland the White Sox and their fans have been looking for since July 2005. There have been a lot of erroneous trade rumors surrounding Garland lately as fans panic a little bit due to a recent White Sox slump.

Trading Jon Garland, who this offseason signed a 3 year $27 million dollar deal, would be the stupidest thing Ken Williams had ever done. Anybody who thinks they should needs to have their head examined.

If the White Sox did trade a starter (Which they won't) it would most likely be Javier Vazquez or Freddy Garcia. Neither will be traded before the deadline, but I wouldn't be surprised if Garcia is dealt in the offseason.

White Sox Notes

With his second inning double last night, Joe Crede recorded his 60th RBI. He is the fourth member of the club to reach that mark this season (Thome, Konerko, Dye) and the White Sox are the only team in the majors that can say that.

With his 2HR and 4RBI last night, Paul Konerko is now batting .337 with 11HR and 33RBI in 53 career games at Comerica Park.

The White Sox are now 6-1 against the Tigers this season, and 11-2 at Comerica over the last 2 seasons.

Tonight's starter, Javier Vazquez, is 1-3 with a 5.47ERA in 4 starts against the Tigers. None have come as a member of the White Sox.

http://www.tomfornellisportsblog.blogspot.com

Date

Wed 07/19/06, 12:00 pm EST