White Sox Start Spring Training turns Non-Story into Story

The White Sox starting spring training and since it’s early in camp, there really is nothing to talk about. The reporters want to report something so we have a story that really isn’t a story dominating the White Sox headlines.

“Ozzie Gullien Names Mark Buehrle Opening Day Starter”

This is a story? I mean, this is as close to the biggest no brainer there is in Chicago sports. Mark Buehrle is the face of the franchise (no offense to team captain and close runner up Paulee). He’s the longest tenured White Sox, he’s the player who catches every ceremonial first pitch (when he’s not pitching), has a perfect game, no hitter, multiple all-star appearances and has made the playoffs 3 times (2000, 2005, 2008) with a World Series ring. So yeah, that’s the guy I want starting opening day for me.

Another reason pitching Buehrle opening day makes sense is setting up the leftie then righty rotation. In my opinion the White Sox top three pitchers are Peavy, Buehrle and Danks with Floyd being a close 4th. If the White Sox throw Buehrle (lefty) first, Peavy (rightie) second, that means they can throw Danks (leftie) 3rd and keep the alternating leftie, righty intact.

Another reason I find this a non story is who really cares who pitches the first game. Each pitcher if they pitch healthy will pitch roughly the same amount of games. I’d be more concerned with who is going to start game one of the playoffs.

The good news about this story though is it seems Peavy and Buehrle are getting along great with each other and teammates. Pitching Coach Don Cooper discussed starting Peavy first at Soxfest. Three days after the discussion, Peavy turned it down saying it was Buehrle’s team and he deserves the start. After Ozzie announced Buehrle as the opening day starter, Buehrle said if it were up to him, Peavy would start because of his dominant stuff. Apparently nobody wants to start opening day, but it’s good to see the players respecting each other and getting along after only being teammates for a short time.

I always appreciate hearing stories about the White Sox, but there are some other story’s that interest me a little more right now. How is Beckham looking at 2nd base? How is Jordan Danks progressing (Yes John’s brother)? Is Tyler Flowers going to make the big league team this year? Is Dayan Viciedo playing good enough defense so he can make the big league roster? Those are the questions I want answered. But I guess I’m being hypocritical as I am talking about this non-story just like everyone else.