Monday, April 11, 2011
Posted: 6:36 p.m.
By Brett Ballantini
CSNChicago.com
When MLB officials called the Chicago White Sox on Monday afternoon, they had a serious question: Why was Gordon Beckham throwing a bullpen session?
The White Sox had a simple answer for their second baseman turning hurler, as evidenced on MLBs ballpark cam: It wasnt Bacon sizzling through a 30-pitch side session, it was rehabbing hurler Jake Peavy.
Peavy was in Chicago to throw his side session on Mondaybut his luggage never made it out of Montgomery, Ala.
Yeah, Ive got Edwins Jackson glove, Beckhams jersey, a new hatthe only thing thats my own are the spikes, Peavy said with a smile.
Also grin-inducing was Peavys session, held in front of pitching coach Don Cooper. Peavy threw 32 pitches (33, he shorted me one, said the fireballer) and felt great throughout the workout.
MLB
Everything feels normalI really feel normal, Peavy said. It was a normal bullpen day on Day 3.
Peavy will pitch on Wednesday night at AAA Charlotte, aiming for five innings andor 80 pitches. He anticipates making his nextand possibly lastrehabilitation start for AA Birmingham. Hes no longer feeling pressureself-induced or otherwiseto rush back and rescue the club.
I just have to make sure when I get back here, Im just a normal guy and can throw six-seven-eight innings with 100-plus pitches, Peavy said. At that point, GM Kenny Williams and pitching coach Don Cooper and those guys will make that decision.
Im happy because hes ahead of schedule, but havent seen him throw, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. In the conversation we had, he was very positive. Every report we have is pretty good. Were just waiting for him.
Not hurting that relaxed attitude was fifth starter Phil Humbers terrific start in Saturdays win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Phil threw the ball outstanding, Peavy said.I watched a lot of that game and was very happy. When the guy who replaces you goes out and does that, its very encouraging and makes what Im going through easier, knowing that the guy in your spot is picking up the slack. Im very proud of Phil.
For Peavy, the key question is how he is rebounding after his rehab startshe had told reporters throughout spring training he felt fine after starts, but was secretly battling the shoulder tendinitis that eventually sidelined him. So far, so good.
I can tell you guys I really do feel almost completely normalthere is nothing but general soreness, Peavy said. There is no pain, no discomfort areas that shouldnt be uncomfortable. I feel the lat has began that healing process and has healed up enough to let me start, and I feel quite a bit better.
There are no regrets from Peavy for pushing hard to break camp with the White Sox, but hindsight is crystal-clear for him these days.
We tried to push the envelope in spring training and make the club but my body shut it down and obviously it spoke for itself, he said. But with a little time off and little bit slower of a climb, with some medication, it certainly responded. I just hope Im able to continue this during the season.
Freaky Floyd
Yesterdays brilliant start by Gavin Floyd was marred by just one momenthis throwing error in the sixth inning, which ruined the hurlers shutout.
With Sam Fuld on third and Johnny Damon on first, Floyd pulled the ol fake to third, throw to first trickand it worked!
Um, yeah, we did probably a million of those drills, Floyd said.
Damon, dead to rights, broke to secondand Floyd threw the ball into center field, allowing Fuld to score.
I dont know what happened there, Floyd smiled, with some embarrassment. I dont know if it was yips, but sometimes youre like, Oh, its a simple throw, and then, Ohmaybe not.
Floyd was plainly proud of his effort on Sunday, with his 79 game score making it significantly his best effort ever in Aprilhis cruelest month.
The worst pitch I made was to second base, he laughed. I guess thats not the worst thing.
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