Any Chicago White Sox fan born within the last four years remembers the miraculous run that the South Siders had as they marched on towards their first World Series title in 88 years.
Sox were led by, what current White Sox TV announcer, Ken "the Hawk" Harrelson, dubbed, the "Three Amigos." The Amigos consisted of present third basemen and late-inning hero, Joe Crede, current catcher and the third most hated athlete in sports, A.J. Pierzynski, and, since departed, hard-nosed, center fielder Aaron Rowand.
Within months of bring a World Series trophy to Chicago for the first time in almost nine decades, General Manager, Kenny Williams, traded home town hero, Aaron Rowand for left handed slugger, Jim Thome.
Along with Rowand, Kenny traded the heart and soul of the Chicago White Sox.
Since that final out of the 2005, the Chicago White have experimented with four center fielders.
In 2006, the Sox trotted out Brian Anderson. However, when Anderson showed that he could not hold his own at the plate, manager Ozzie Guillen turned to super-sub Rob Mackowiak to pick up the slack.
In 2007, the Sox brought in Angels' veteran, Darin Erstad, to attempt to fill the void left by Rowand. After both left fielder Scott Podsednik and center fielder Erstad went down due to injuries, Guillen turned to the speedy Jerry Owens.
Despite four separate, vain attempts to fill a void left in the outfield, as well as in the clubhouse, Kenny Williams went out and sold the farm to bring in another hard-nosed outfielder, Nick Swisher.
As a former White Sox killer, now turned South Sider, Swisher was brought in for his plate discipline and his attitude.
When not on the field diving to the dirt or running into the pads of the outfield walls or at-bat taking pitch after pitch, "Swish" can be seen running through the dugout shouting chants and encouragements.
Sox fans remember Scott Podsednik's game winning, walk off home run in game two of the WS in 2005. Who was the first one over the railing of the dugout to congratulate "Scotty Pods?" Rowand.
With each and every home run hit by a White Sox player this season, look to see who the first player to congratulate the home run hitter is. Swisher.
But what about the numbers?
Rowand had a break out year last season with the Phillies. He batted .307 while setting career highs in home runs (27), RBIs (89) and walks (47). He also won his first, and long over due, Gold Glove.
Swisher set some of his own career highs. Swisher batted .262 over the course of 150 games. However, he had a career high on-base percentage of .381 with 100 walks, 22 home runs, and 78 RBIs.
Rowand broke out in '07. Swisher had an off power year, but yet, still had a well above average on-base percentage.
Finally, with an everyday center fielder in Nick Swisher, a man with the same fire, passion, and desire as the man who helped lead the Sox to a WS, will White Sox fans embrace the new face in center field and begin to forget about the ghost of Aaron Rowand crashing into the walls at "the Cell?"
Only time will tell.
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4 months ago
3rd most hated athlete in sports? Who are one and two? Bonds and Clemens? Just curious for your take.
from 4 months ago
SI did a survey a couple years ago, Bonds was number one. T.O. was number two. A.J. was three.
from 4 months ago
I always found that funny, because Bonds and Owens are, like, established great athletes. While I love AJ, he definitely isn't that.
from 4 months ago
It is rather amusing. I can understand why the Angels hate him, given his nickname is AJ "I once Stole first base" Pierzynski. But he gets booed no matter where he shows up (except Camden Yards, which Hawk and DJ pointed out last night. But that could just be because there was no one there)
4 months ago
I don't like AJ... He is the one guy I can't stand. I don't know why he just seems like a jerk.
Big question, why is Nick Swisher sporting a "Bobby Jenks" on his chin?
Swisher is a tough player though. I was upset when you guys got him, cause he always kills us as well, not just with the bat either.
from 4 months ago
First things first, that mentality is exactly why AJ is the third most hated athlete. People, except fans on the South Side, just do not like him. No evidence one way or the other. Just don't like him.
from 4 months ago
Second and third...
If you noticed, Swisher went with a different gotee every game for about the first week. Why he stuck with that dye-job? I have no idea.
I'm very happy the Sox landed Swisher. He's a great ball player who knows how to have fun, knows how to play the game, and knows how to get the job done.
4 months ago
Good points made here, Swisher is exactly the type of hard nosed grinder we need on this club!
2 months ago
Swisher is a great player, and fan favorite, but he's kinda of an attention whore.
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