Headlines of July 28, 2014 “Class of 2014 Takes Its Place Among Game's Legends” … Barry M

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Headlines of July 28, 2014 “Class of 2014 takes its place among game's legends” … Barry M. Bloom, Whitesox.com “Big Hurt thankful for many as he enters Hall of Fame” … Scott Merkin, Whitesox.com “White Sox focused on long term at Trade Deadline” … Scott Merkin, Whitesox.com “New draftee Rodon tops White Sox updated Top 20” … Jim Callis, Whitesox.com “Carroll strong but bullpen falters in finale” … Patrick Donnelly, Whitesox.com “Red-hot Quintana to open set vs. first-place Tigers” … Matt Slovin, Whitesox.com “The Quotable Frank Thomas” … Scott Merkin, Whitesox.com “Big Hurt’s unofficial list of thanks” … Scott Merkin, Whitesox.com “Thomas steals the show at Hall of Fame ceremony” … David Haugh, Chicago Tribune “Thomas thanks many in heartfelt Hall of Fame speech” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Transcript: Frank Thomas' Hall of Fame speech” … Chicago Tribune “Twins rally to prevent a White Sox sweep” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Reliever Ronald Belisario melts down in White Sox’ loss to Twins” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun- Times “Reliever Matt Lindstrom targets return in early August” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Emotional Frank Thomas shows heartwarming side in Cooperstown” … Rick Morrissey, Chicago Sun- Times “Frank Thomas inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame” … Associated Press “White Sox second to none at first base” … Chris Rongey, Daily Herald “‘Emotional’ Thomas takes his spot in Cooperstown” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Thomas, Maddux, 4 others inducted into baseball Hall of Fame” … Associated Press “Thomas shows emotion in 'grand finale'” … Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com “Thomas' teammate list goes 138 deep” … Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com “Tearful Frank Thomas on HOF entry: ‘It gets no better than that’” … Dan Hayes, CSNChicago.com “Frank Thomas appreciated the Chicago fans at HOF weekend” … Dan Hayes, CSNChicago.com “White Sox rally late but comes up short against Twins” … Nate Gotlieb, CSNChicago.com “Reinsdorf: ‘Will and determination’ made Thomas great” … Staff, CSNChicago.com “White Sox clubhouse upbeat despite longshot playoff odds” … Nate Gotlieb, CSNChicago.com

Class of 2014 takes its place among game's legends

Players Maddux, Glavine, Thomas, managers Torre, La Russa, Cox enter Hall of Fame

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- The more you learn about baseball, the more you love it, Tony La Russa told a crowd of approximately 48,000 spread in droves across the meadow behind the Clark Sports Center for Sunday's National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the largest in terms of the number of living electees since 1971.

"And the more you love it, the more you want to learn," La Russa added. It was a baseball love fest as the big day finally arrived for the memorable Hall of Fame Class of 2014 -- 300-game winners Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, slugger Frank Thomas and managers Joe Torre, Bobby Cox and La Russa.

"You're on the bus and you see it and you get goosebumps," La Russa said afterward about the crowd. "It's like the greatest rock concerts that you've ever been to."

The Big Six were inducted in front of the third-biggest throng in history behind the Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn induction of 2007 (75,000) and the Robin Yount-George Brett-Nolan Ryan induction of 1999 (50,000). As always, Commissioner Bud Selig read the inscriptions on the plaques of the six newcomers, who were joined by another 44 of the 66 living Hall of Famers on the big stage.

"I was shocked when we turned that corner this morning," Thomas said. "Ozzie Smith was in the back of the bus with me and he said, 'This is for real now. Look at all those people. Just take it all in. You've got to be tough when you get to the stage. These are the true fans. The world is watching. Do what you've got to do.'

"So for me today, to be honest with you, I was Cool Hand Luke sitting there watching everyone's speeches. As soon as I stood up, my knees started knocking and the first thing I looked at was my mom. It hit me right in my heart. My mom hadn't left Columbus, Ga., in 15 years. She was here today, so I just started crying."

Thomas didn't stop crying for his entire speech of nearly 18 minutes, during which he thanked many family members, his late father, players, coaches, managers, trainers, you name it, from the three organizations for which he played: the White Sox (1990-2005), A's (2006, '08) and Blue Jays (2007-08).

The speeches were supposed to be limited to 10 minutes each. Cox and Maddux basically hit it on the button, while Glavine, Thomas, La Russa and Torre went long. Torre hit it out of the ballpark with his speech that went 29 minutes, although he seemed devastated afterward because he failed to thank the late Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner and the Steinbrenner family. Steinbrenner's youngest son, Hal -- the club's current principal owner -- was in the crowd along with a contingent of Yankees executives and former coaches who worked under Torre.

"I missed mentioning and thanking the most obvious guy in the world when you're talking about the Yankees," said Torre, the winner of four World Series titles with New York, before taking questions at the post-ceremony media conference. "My plan was to thank him and [mention] the fact that we had a great relationship. It was so obvious that I was going to do it that I just went right past it and the whole Steinbrenner family. It was the proudest time in my career."

Rock the vote

Year Player Pct. 1992 Tom Seaver 98.84 1999 Nolan Ryan 98.79 2007 Cal Ripken 98.53 1936 Ty Cobb 98.23 1999 George Brett 98.19 1982 Hank Aaron 97.83 2007 Tony Gwynn 97.61 2014 Greg Maddux 97.20 1995 Mike Schmidt 96.52 Year Player Pct. 1989 Johnny Bench 96.42 Teammate Tom Glavine received 91.9 percent of the vote, while fellow inductee Frank Thomas recorded 83.2 percent.

Maddux and Glavine are the first set of first-ballot pitchers to be elected together since Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson were part of the inaugural Class of 1936, along with Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner. They are the first living pair of 300-win pitchers to be elected in the same year and only the third pair in Hall of Fame history.

"It's obviously the biggest honor you can give to a ballplayer," said Maddux, the first inductee to speak. "To put me here in Cooperstown with all of my childhood heroes, it's sort of hard to believe I'm standing here today. I never gave a thought to the Hall of Fame as I was going through my career. My goal as a baseball player was very simple -- all I wanted to do was try and get better for my next start. And to think it all ended up here is pretty cool."

Add Thomas, who played the first 16 seasons of his 19-year career with the White Sox, and the Baseball Writers' Association of America elected three players on the first ballot for the first time since that grand induction of 1999.

"I'm so humbled and honored to be a part of this historic class of first-ballot Hall of Famers," Thomas said in his address. "I'm speechless. I want to thank you all for being great role models and making this game what it is today. Hard work, dedication, commitment, no shortcuts to success. Thanks for having me in your club."

Maddux won 355 games, the eighth-highest figure in Major League history and the most of any pitcher since Warren Spahn retired with 363 in 1965. He garnered 97.2 percent of the BBWAA vote, appearing on all but 16 of the 571 ballots cast. The right-hander, called "Mad Dog," won 194 of those games over 11 years with the Braves. But his milestone 300th came for the Cubs, the team that drafted him and for which he played 10 seasons covering two tenures.

Glavine -- who won 305 games, fourth most among left-handers -- was named on 91.9 percent of the ballots, while Thomas was selected on 83.7. Glavine spent 17 of his 22 seasons with the Braves, but he won his 300th game near the end of a five-year tenure with the Mets.

"It's hard to imagine a day like this would get any better," Glavine said. "But for me, it does. I'm honored to go into the Baseball Hall of Fame with such a great group of men. All of you guys represent what is great about the game of baseball. I'm humbled to be a part of this class."

The 16-member Expansion Era Committee was even more magnanimous than the BBWAA, electing La Russa, Cox and Torre unanimously late last year. The three rank third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in managerial victories in Major League history, each winning more than 2,000 games.

"[Not] in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would happen, but I'm sure glad it did," Cox said to end his speech.

They managed

The three skippers inducted Sunday -- Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre -- rank Nos. 3-5 all-time in managerial wins. Manager Wins Years The three skippers inducted Sunday -- Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre -- rank Nos. 3-5 all-time in managerial wins. Manager Wins Years 1. Connie Mack 3,731 53 2. John McGraw 2,763 33 3. Tony La Russa 2,728 33 4. Bobby Cox 2,504 29 5. Joe Torre 2,326 29 6. Sparky Anderson 2,194 26 7. Bucky Harris 2,158 29 8. Joe McCarthy 2,125 24 9. Walter Alston 2,040 23 10. Leo Durocher 2,008 24 Source: Baseball-Reference.com

The Top 5 all-time managerial wins list reads like this: Connie Mack (3,731), John McGraw (2,763), La Russa (2,728), Cox (2,504) and Torre (2,326), whose additional 84 postseason wins are by far the most in history. The three combined to win the World Series eight times, with Torre's four in Yankees pinstripes leading the pack. La Russa won three titles -- one with the A's and two for the Cardinals -- while Cox won one with the Braves amid a record 14 division titles in a row.

"It was just perfect," Torre said of being inducted alongside Cox and La Russa. "Our careers just mirrored each other's. I think it would have been an injustice if we didn't enjoy this together."

Cox, Maddux and Glavine, of course, were together for 10 of the 25 seasons covering two stints that Cox managed the Braves -- including their 1995 World Series victory in six games over the Indians. In the finale of that Fall Classic, Glavine pitched eight innings of one-hit ball, David Justice hit a home run and Mark Wohlers earned the save in the 1-0 victory. Maddux won Game 1 of that series: a 3-2 complete- game two-hitter in which he allowed no earned runs.

"To Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and I have to mention the third member of the Big Three, John Smoltz, I can honestly say I would not be standing here today if it weren't for you guys," said Cox, adding Smoltz, who will be on the BBWAA ballot for the first time in this coming election.

As far as the logos on their plaques were concerned, Cox and Glavine went in as Braves, Thomas as a member of the White Sox and Torre with the Yankees -- where in addition to the World Series rings, his clubs also won six American League pennants and went to the playoffs in each of his 12 seasons. Torre also managed the Mets (1977-81), Braves (1982-84), Cardinals (1990-95) and retired in 2010 after three seasons with the Dodgers.

"Might as well cut to the chase -- I'm here because of the New York Yankees," Torre said. "However, in order, as Tommy said, to be ready, you had to make stops along the way. You had to fail along the way."

La Russa and Maddux opted to go in without affiliation, in deference to their distinguished careers with multiple clubs. Maddux mentioned both the Cubs and Braves in his speech, getting huge cheers from the large contingents of Chicago and Atlanta fans in the crowd.

Maddux said he didn't hear those responses. "The nerves were so high that I was just trying to get through the speech," he said. "Both places were very special to me. I learned how to pitch in Chicago, and I learned how to win and raise a family in Atlanta. Both of them were equally as important in my career, and I just wanted to make that clear."

Big Hurt thankful for many as he enters Hall of Fame

Thomas' induction speech is roll call of those who helped shape his career

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- The unofficial total of former teammates mentioned by Frank Thomas, covering the final two minutes of his almost 18-minute Hall of Fame induction speech Sunday before an estimated crowd of 48,000 at the Clark Sports Center, checked in at a robust 138.

Remember, Thomas did promise during Saturday's interview session that his speech was all about thanks. But why did the "Big Hurt" feel the need to point out so many? The idea that no man is an island emerges as the most precise answer.

"They all became friends," said a still somewhat overwhelmed Thomas during the news conference after the ceremony. "All those guys had something to do with my career, on the field and off the field.

"Believe it or not, I cut 50 guys. I got here the other day and it was like, 'Wait a minute, we can't do this.' I had to cut 50 guys off, and I felt bad. I wish I could have got everybody in. There are a lot of people who meant a lot to me over the years, and I could not forget my teammates."

Those mentions, which Thomas termed as a verbal montage, all but concluded an emotional journey that covered everyone from his family to his friends to key members of the White Sox, A's and Blue Jays organizations, for whom Thomas so expertly practiced his craft for 19 seasons. Going fifth in this memorable Hall of Fame class of six, Thomas sat like "Cool Hand Luke" as Greg Maddux, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine and Tony La Russa shared their memories and baseball life before his turn.

Then, Thomas took to the podium after his plaque was presented. The first person he looked at was his mother, Charlie Mae, and the big man's knees began to knock. Now Thomas understands how some of the opposing pitchers felt when trying to sneak a 93-mph fastball by him.

"It hit me right in the heart," Thomas said. "My mom hasn't left Columbus [Ga.] in 15 years. I started crying right away. It was a big day, a huge day for me and my family. I felt really blessed."

Super on the South Side

Frank Thomas ranks first or near the top in most offensive categories in White Sox history. Category Stat Rank Home Runs 448 1st Doubles 447 1st RBIs 1,465 1st Runs 1,327 1st Extra-base hits 906 1st Walks 1,466 1st Frank Thomas ranks first or near the top in most offensive categories in White Sox history. Category Stat Rank Total bases 3,949 1st Slugging pct. .568 1st On-base pct. .427 1st Hits 2,136 3rd Games 1,959 4th Batting avg. .307 7th

Charlie Mae told her son Saturday that as soon as he mentioned his father, Frank Thomas, Sr., who passed away in 2001, the emotions would overflow. Thomas practiced the speech numerous times this weekend in between events, and he pointed out in Sunday's news conference that the practice turned out differently than his induction speech.

"Frank Sr., I know you are watching and smiling from heaven. Without you, I know, 100 percent, I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown today," said Thomas, drawing applause from the crowd. "Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me, 'You can be someone special if you really work at it.' I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today. We are a long way from Columbus, [Ga]."

At that point, the tears began to flow.

"You don't understand, my dad was my everything," Thomas said afterward. "He pushed me, day-in and day-out. He was so proud of me all the time.

"I was so overcome with emotion. I'm sorry about it, but I'm not sorry about it, because it is what I am, and I'm proud to be here with these great legends."

Other emotional moments for Thomas came when talking about his five children and wife, Megan, who made him believe in love again when they met 15 years ago. When Thomas spoke about his personal infrastructure, he began to tear up with the mention of his first agent, Robert Fraley, who tragically passed away in October 1999 in a plane accident that also took the life of golfer Payne Stewart.

"You are not here, my friend, but thanks for launching my career and giving me professional guidance. It's priceless," Thomas said. "Robert, you once said to me, 'Life is not fair. You have to work hard to earn your respect.' You were so right. I thank you for being honest with me. I know you are somewhere in heaven directing traffic, because that's what true leaders do."

In paying homage to the White Sox, with whom he spent 16 years of his career, Thomas thanked chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and his hitting mentor, Walt Hriniak, among the 40 members of the organization, including all of his general managers, managers and many coaches, trainers and front-office and clubhouse personnel. He gave a special shout out to Ozzie Guillen, who was a teammate of Thomas form 1990-97, was Thomas' manager for 2004 and '05, and helped give Thomas his only World Series championship.

"We had that special bond for many years," Thomas said of Guillen. "I thank you, Ozzie. I thank you very much."

Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, the colorful White Sox television play-by-play announcer, was unable to attend the ceremony due to a personal matter, but he was not forgotten . Harrelson bestowed the nickname "Big Hurt" upon Thomas, which really changed his life. Thomas joked Saturday that more people call him by forms of the nickname than his actual name. One point Thomas did not belabor was the PED era of baseball, which Thomas believes took as much from him as any player in the game. Thomas stayed with his theme of appreciation, thanking the Hall of Famers seated behind him on stage, the heroes and role models, as described by Thomas, who made the game what it is today.

"Thanks for having me in your club," Thomas said.

"To all you kids out there, just remember one thing from today," Thomas added at the end of his speech. "There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, dedication, commitment. Stay true to who you are."

White Sox focused on long term at Trade Deadline

General manager Hahn not willing to sacrifice future for potential playoff push

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The White Sox don't have to do anything before Thursday's non-waiver Trade Deadline.

It doesn't mean they won't execute a move or two. But remember, the 2014 White Sox are not the '13 White Sox.

Not in terms of the slim likelihood to once again finish with that dismal 63-99 record. Not in terms of a far more competitive group presently performing on a daily basis.

Last year at this time, general manager Rick Hahn needed to jump-start the youth-oriented reshaping process and trade a few veteran pieces who weren't part of the future plans or stood as expiring assets contractually. Those moves produced a five-tool player such as right fielder Avisail Garcia, helped the White Sox bring in Jose Abreu via free agency and were supplemented by the offseason additions of Adam Eaton and Matt Davidson.

Robin Ventura's crew remains under .500 traveling into Detroit -- despite a highly successful series at Target Field -- and has been the definition of a middle-of-the-road squad all season. Yet, even without a signature winning run, the White Sox have stayed on the outskirts of the second American League Wild Card.

Don't look for Hahn to add any stopgap players for the rest of the season to increase that potential playoff push. The White Sox aren't about to give up young talent, even in areas where they have surpluses, for what borders on somewhat of a postseason long shot as of the end of July.

"That's been going on for a little while now," Hahn said. "Prospects are more or less courted in a lot of situations. And as a result, it is a little more challenging to craft deals if you are on the receiving end of the prospect side.

"Every club always, this goes back well beyond the last few years, you tend to somewhat overvalue your own guys. You tend to fall in love with your own guys. Prices continue to escalate and the free-agent market perhaps gets a little more thin. Clubs tend to further hoard their own players they feel good about and are affordable and that they can easily control. It's a little bit challenging at times. But it's not uniquely different than it has been the last couple of years." Hahn has players who could hold interest from other teams.

• With Micah Johnson, Marcus Semien and Carlos Sanchez pushing at second base from within the system, Gordon Beckham has been viewed as one of those change-of-scenery candidates.

Beckham burst onto the scene in 2009 with AL Rookie of the Year Award credentials -- as voted on by his peers -- but he has not matched that offensive success since. Despite having an average mired in the .220s, he still provides solid defense up the middle. Beckham could benefit from a place where he isn't known as the first-round pick from the '08 First-Year Player Draft who hasn't lived up to expectations.

• John Danks has been a strong influence on the younger members of the rotation, and he has proven to be a steady middle-of-the-rotation performer. He has nine wins in '14 and eight quality starts since May 18.

• There's no secret what a team is getting in Adam Dunn: a pure left-handed-hitting power hitter who also gets on base via the walk. He could thrive with a true chance to reach the playoffs.

• Left fielder Alejandro De Aza has hit .317 since June after a dismal start, while Dayan Viciedo has the potential to carry a team offensively.

For every logical twist, there seems to be a counter.

Both Beckham and De Aza will be entering their final year of arbitration in 2015, and they are viewed by some as possible non-tender candidates. Dunn might be more likely as a waiver-wire deal in August with the remainder of $15 million still left for this season, while Danks is owed $28.5 million over the next two seasons.

If the White Sox wanted to make a big splash, they could look at a move involving Alexei Ramirez, who is one of the better all-around shortstops in the game but also could play second base. A player such as left-handed starter Jose Quintana would bring back a large haul in return, especially with his contractual control potentially through 2020, but he would be on that thin untouchable list with Abreu, Garcia, Chris Sale and top pick Carlos Rodon from the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Veterans such as Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios, who made major contributions as recently as the 2012 playoff charge, almost had to be moved during last year's free fall. But a trade that could be forced in July might bring back a better return in November or December, or even February. So Hahn is now looking for moves to take another step toward sustained excellence.

"Once the season's in the books and we know what guys we feel have fulfilled their potential and established themselves as fits here, once everybody's healthy, once we see the prognosis on guys for 2015, then we'll have a better sense of what our potential holes are and how we're going to go about filling them over the coming months," Hahn said. "Again, we know we're not there yet.

"We're still a work in progress. We're certainly pleased about a lot of the developments over the past year. We're hopeful to add to that in the coming weeks. And if not the coming weeks, then certainly the coming months into the offseason."

New draftee Rodon tops White Sox updated Top 20 Shortstop Anderson, right-hander Montas also among Chicago's top prospects

By Jim Callis / MLB.com

With the passing of the Draft signing deadline, teams have had a recent influx of talent into their farm systems, and with that, we've updated the Top 20 Prospects lists of all 30 teams.

To be on a list, a player must have rookie eligibility. To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.

Players are graded on a 20-80 scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.

Check out all 30 team Top 20 lists and the Top 100 on Prospect Watch.

1. Carlos Rodon, LHP Preseason rank: None (2014 Draft) MLB Top 100 rank: 23 (Preseason: NA) ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 60

The best college left-hander since David Price, Rodon entered 2014 as the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the First-Year Player Draft after leading North Carolina State to its first College World Series berth in 45 years and topping NCAA Division I in strikeouts the year before. Rodon didn't dominate as much as expected, and he lasted until the third pick, where the White Sox gave him a $6,582,000 bonus -- the largest in franchise history and the largest ever for a lefty.

Rodon's best pitch is a true wipeout slider that usually arrives in the mid-80s and probably could abuse big league hitters right now. He relied on it too heavily during his junior season, which cost him some fastball velocity. Rodon operated in the low 90s for much of the spring, but he has shown the ability to reach 97 mph.

Rodon's changeup regressed some this spring, as well, but it can overmatch hitters when it's at its best. Once he stops using his slider too much, his fastball, changeup and command are all expected to improve. Add in a strong frame built for durability, and Rodon could be a future No. 1 starter.

Undrafted out of high school and after his first year at East Central (Miss.) Community College, Anderson went 17th overall in June 2013 after leading Division II junior college players in hitting (.495) and on- base percentage (.568). Signed for $2,164,000, he went straight to low Class A, and he looked like he belonged. Anderson has continued to make progress in his first full pro season this year, though he was sidelined when an errant pitch broke his right wrist in late June. Anderson was known more as a point guard at Hillcrest (Ala.) High, which he led to a 6A basketball state championship in 2011, yet he has advanced instincts at the plate. He understands the value of working counts to get on base, where he can use his well-above-average speed to put pressure on the defense. Anderson has a quick bat and some wiry strength, so he could develop some gap power.

Leading up to the 2013 Draft, some scouts projected Anderson more as a center fielder than a shortstop, but the White Sox have no plans to move him off his current position. Anderson has the actions, range and arm to play short, and he has the work ethic to make the necessary refinements.

3. Francellis Montas, RHP Preseason rank: 19 ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 50

When the White Sox traded Jake Peavy to the Red Sox in a three-team deal last July, the best of the four players Chicago got in return was big league-ready outfielder Avisail Garcia from the Tigers. The Sox also got three Minor Leaguers from Boston, the best of whom is Montas. He emerged as Chicago's best pitching prospect in 2014, though he missed April following meniscus surgery on his left knee, and he had his season end in late June when he needed the same operation on his right knee.

Montas first hit triple digits with his fastball as an 18-year-old, and though he has to dial back on his velocity to find the strike zone, he operates at 91-95 mph and touches 97 on a regular basis. Montas can get some sinking or cutting action on his heater, making it even tougher to hit.

Coming into 2014, Montas lacked a reliable secondary pitch, and the effort and recoil in his delivery hurt his control and command. But he made major strides in all of those areas this season. Montas' slider looks like it could give him a second plus pitch, his changeup was more effective and he did a much better job of locating his pitches in the strike zone.

Fully recovered from an elbow injury that knocked him down Draft boards in 2012, Johnson had a sensational first full professional season in '13. Playing across three levels, he hit .312 and led the Minor Leagues with 84 stolen bases. Johnson followed up with a strong encore this year, and he appeared in his first Futures Game.

Johnson's speed is his best tool, and it grades out at the top of the scale. While speed drives his offensive game, he also has enough power to drive the ball in the gaps.

Johnson has good enough range and arm for second base, but he still has work to do defensively. If he can refine his defense, his speed and bat are good enough to take him to the Major Leagues.

5. Courtney Hawkins, OF Preseason rank: 7 ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45 After signing for $2.475 million as the 12th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, Hawkins reached high Class A and performed well as an 18-year-old at the end of his pro debut. He returned to that level in '13, and his season couldn't have gone any worse -- he ranked last in the Carolina League in hitting (.178) and first in strikeouts (160 in just 383 at-bats). Back at Winston-Salem again this year, Hawkins has regrouped and looked much better at the plate.

A year ago, the White Sox thought Hawkins got too focused on trying to race to the big leagues. In 2014, he has shown better balance, pitch recognition and strike-zone discipline. Hawkins will still pile up some strikeouts and may never hit for a high average, but he should be able to tap into his considerable raw power.

Hawkins has the best all-around tools in the system, though that won't mean much if he can't make consistent contact at the plate. His power, speed and arm strength all grade as above average, and he plays a solid center field. Already 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Hawkins projects to move to right field once he fills out.

No. 3 overall pick Rodon wasn't the only potential front-line starter whom the White Sox grabbed in the 2014 Draft. When their second pick arrived, at No. 44 in the second round, they were delighted that Adams was still available. Projected as a likely first-rounder, Adams signed for $1,282,700.

Adams was one of the most athletic and projectable pitchers available in the 2014 Draft. A three-sport star renowned for his dunking prowess on the basketball court, he has quality stuff and more command than the typical high schooler.

Adams already has a low-90s fastball that peaks at 96 mph, and it features plenty of life and sink. His slider has the potential to give him a second plus pitch, and his curveball and changeup could be average or better offerings. Adams does a fine job of repeating his loose, effort-free delivery.

7. Tyler Danish, RHP Preseason rank: 6 ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

Scouts aren't fond of Danish's mechanics, but they love what comes out of his right arm. That's ultimately what led the White Sox to draft him in the second round and sign him for $1,001,800 in June 2013 -- after a high school senior season in which Danish worked 94 innings without allowing an earned run.

Danish gets exceptional sink on his fastball when he works in the low 90s, and his heater still features heavy life when he pushes it to 95 mph. He backs it up with a very advanced changeup for a teenager and a slider that's tough on right-handers, because he throws from an extreme angle.

Because he's a smallish right-hander -- his listed 6-foot-2 height is charitable -- with a low arm slot and considerable effort in his delivery, some scouts worry about Danish's ability to hold up as a starter. Others compare him to Peavy and think he could rush through the Minors. 8. Matt Davidson, 3B Preseason rank: 2 ETA: 2014 Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50

Davidson had an impressive 2013 -- he was named MVP of the All-Star Futures Game, won the Home Run Derby at the Triple-A All-Star Game and made his Major League debut. It was also his last year in the D-backs' farm system. Davidson was acquired by the White Sox in December in exchange for Addison Reed. His first year in his new organization has been a struggle, as he failed to win the big league third- base job in Spring Training and has struggled in his return to Triple-A.

Davidson's best tool is his raw power, and he clubbed three home runs in his first 76 at-bats in the Major Leagues. But he has a long swing, which leads to a lot of strikeouts. Davidson is a patient hitter, but he whiffs too much to hit for a high average.

Davidson has worked hard to improve defensively, and he will likely end up as an adequate third baseman with a strong arm. The Sox figured to make him their everyday third baseman after trading for him, but Davidson's extended slump in Triple-A and Conor Gillaspie's strong season in Chicago now make the future less clear.

A two-sport star at Jenks (Okla.) High, Michalczewski was the starting tight end on a 6-A state football championship team, and he caught a 66-yard touchdown pass in the title game. He also was the state's top high school position prospect in the 2013 Draft, and he signed for $500,000 in the seventh round.

Michalczewski projects as a player capable of hitting for power and average. Because he's a large switch- hitting third baseman, he drew some physical comparisons to Chipper Jones as an amateur. Michalczewski shows a solid swing and bat speed from both sides of the plate.

After playing shortstop in high school, Michalczewski immediately moved to the hot corner in pro ball. He has the actions and arm strength to play quality defense at third base. Michalczewski is athletic and moves well for his size.

In 2012, Sanchez won the high Class A Carolina League batting title with a .315 average, then batted .370 in Double-A and finished the season in Triple-A at age 20. Seemingly on the verge of the big leagues, he saw his offensive game collapse last year. Sanchez did regain some of his luster in the Venezuelan Winter League, finishing third in hitting (.348) and fourth in on-base percentage (.428), and he bounced back in his return to Charlotte this year.

A switch-hitter who's equally adept from both sides of the plate, Sanchez has to hit for a high average to make an offensive contribution. He focuses on making contact, but he walks only sporadically, and he has little power. An average runner, Sanchez has succeeded on just 62 percent of his pro steal attempts. Sanchez stands out more on defense, starting with some of the best hands in the Minor Leagues. He has solid arm strength, and his range fits best at second base, where he has been touted as a potential Gold Glover. Sanchez is also a capable shortstop, and he could settle into a utility role if his bat doesn't come around.

Projected as a top-10 pick entering 2012, Beck slumped as a Georgia Southern junior, and he fell to the second round. He finished his first full pro season in Double-A, winning the Southern League championship with Birmingham.

Beck has the arsenal and control to be a No. 3 starter. He can throw his 89-95 mph fastball to both sides of the plate, and his changeup ranks as the best in the system. Beck's slider isn't as sharp as it once was, but it's still effective as a third pitch, and he can mix in a curveball to give hitters a better look.

While Beck doesn't have any trouble throwing strikes, he doesn't miss as many bats as his stuff suggests he should. He uses a drop-and-drive delivery, which gives him a flatter plane than most 6-foot-3 pitchers.

May's baseball bloodlines run deep. His grandfather Lee May and uncle Carlos May were both big league All-Stars, the latter with the White Sox, and his father Lee May Jr. was a 1986 first-round pick of the Mets. Jacob went in the third round in 2013, and he quickly advanced to low Class A Kannapolis, where he was the Intimidators' best player in the final six weeks of the season.

Chicago grabbed a lot of speed in last year's Draft, with May the fastest player in a group that also includes first-rounder Anderson and 19th-round sleeper Adam Engle. May's quickness makes him a disruptive force on the bases and allows him to cover plenty of ground in center field. He still could refine his basestealing and defensive skills, however.

A switch-hitter, May has a sound swing from both sides of the plate, and he can bunt for hits. He has more pop than most speedsters, though at times that can get him into trouble at the plate.

Thompson is trying to become the fourth member of his family to play at his sport's top level -- but the first to make it to the Major Leagues. His father, Mychal, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, and his brother Klay is currently one of the NBA's best shooters as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Another sibling, Mychel, played briefly in the NBA in 2012.

Like Hawkins, Thompson is an outfielder with all-around ability who still has to prove he can produce consistently at the plate. Thompson has bat speed, and he is willing to work counts, though his swing gets long and he can get too passive. Thompson strikes out too much to hit for a high average, but he is capable of contributing in all of the other phases of the game.

Thompson's quick bat and long levers give him above-average raw power. He runs well for a big man, and he has an average arm, which allows him to play all three outfield positions. Thompson profiles best in right field.

Engel was one of the top all-around athletes and most confounding players in the 2013 Draft. For all his tools, he batted a combined .265 with two homers in three seasons at Louisville. Engel's signability didn't line up with his production, so he fell to the 19th round, and he eventually signed for $100,000.

Chicago got Engel to raise his hands at the plate, and he responded by batting .301 with a Rookie-level Pioneer League-leading 31 stolen bases in 56 games. If his bat continues to progress, he could be a huge steal.

Engel makes enough contact to hit for a decent average, and he has the bat speed and strength to produce at least average power. He has plus-plus speed, covering 60 yards in 6.4 seconds, which makes him an asset on the bases and in center field.

The White Sox graded Barnum's raw power as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale when they drafted him 48th overall and signed him for $950,000 in 2012. Barnum homered three times in his first five pro games, but he played in just 64 more contests in 2012-13 while battling shoulder, hamate and knee injuries.

With his bat speed, strength and leverage, Barnum can produce tape-measure shots. However, his very long arms also give him a very long swing, leading to concerns about his ability to make consistent contact and fully tap into his immense power. Barnum especially struggles against offspeed pitches and left-handers.

Barnum doesn't have much speed, but he's agile and displays soft hands around the first-base bag. He has a stronger arm than most first baseman, though moving to the outfield isn't an option.

16. Adam Lopez, RHP Preseason rank: 12 ETA: 2015 Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

Lopez was an afterthought in the 2012 Draft, a 21st-rounder who signed for $2,500 after recording an 8.40 ERA as a Virginia Military Institute senior. Yet he was a revelation in his first full pro season, averaging 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings in low Class A -- a rate that would have led the South Atlantic League if he hadn't been a few innings short of qualifying. When the White Sox moved Lopez from the bullpen to the rotation in late July, he responded by going 4-1 with a 1.58 ERA in seven starts.

Lopez can miss bats with both his fastball and slider. He can run his fastball from 88-96 mph with cutting action, and his sharp slider reaches the mid-80s. Lopez's changeup gives him a reliable third offering.

With his big 6-foot-5 frame, Lopez does a nice job of creating plane and angle on his pitches, making him more difficult to hit. His control and command improved after he transitioned to starting, and Chicago will keep him in that role going forward. The White Sox thought Lopez might not need much more than another year in the Minors, but offseason knee surgery and elbow issues had prevented him from pitching in a game before the All-Star break.

A bonus-skimming scandal wrecked the White Sox Latin American program in 2008, and the club hired special assistant Marco Paddy three years later to turn the program around. Paddy's biggest move yet came last July when he signed Zapata, MLBPipeline.com's No. 2-ranked international prospect, for $1.6 million.

Zapata could have more raw power than any prospect on the international market last year. He has a very quick bat, long levers, loft in his swing and a very projectable 6-foot-3 frame. Zapata is still somewhat raw at the plate -- understandable, considering that he's just 17 -- and will have to improve his pitch recognition.

Zapata runs well for his size, though he figures to lose a step as he fills out. With his strong arm, he figures to end up in right field.

18. Braulio Ortiz, RHP Preseason rank: 20 ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 35 | Control: 40 | Overall: 45

One of the few legitimate Latin American prospects the White Sox signed while their international program was rebuilding in the aftermath of a bonus-skimming scandal, Ortiz has developed into one of the hardest throwers in the system. He usually pitches at 93-95 mph and peaks at 98 with his fastball, which features good sink to go with all that heat.

The rest of Ortiz's repertoire isn't as impressive, which led to him getting shellacked in high Class A at the end of 2013. His slider has its moments, but his changeup is rudimentary, and he shows little faith in it.

At this point, Ortiz is more thrower than pitcher. He doesn't repeat his delivery or throw strikes on a consistent basis. Yet Ortiz's fastball alone could make him a useful reliever if he can't make it as a starter.

19. Andrew Mitchell, RHP Preseason rank: 18 ETA: 2016 Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 65 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40 | Overall: 45 One of several potential steals the White Sox found in the 2013 Draft, Mitchell surprisingly slipped to the fourth round amid projections that he could go in the supplemental first. Scouts are split on whether he's a future starter or reliever, though in the latter role, he would have the upside of a closer.

Mitchell had the best curveball among college pitchers in last year's Draft. It's a power breaker that reaches the low 80s, and it can vary between unhittable and uncontrollable. Hitters can't just look for Mitchell's curve, because he has a 90-94 mph fastball that has soared as high as 98 when he has come out of the bullpen.

For Mitchell to remain in the rotation, he'll have to significantly upgrade his changeup and command. He throws from a low three-quarters angle that makes it difficult for batters to see his pitches and for him to harness them.

Smith originally attended Pittsburgh to play college football, and he started at quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2007 and broke Dan Marino's school record for passing yards in a debut with 202. Smith played three seasons of baseball for the Panthers, and he was nearly 23 when he signed for $60,000 as a seventh-rounder in 2011. He has made steady progress in the Minors, and he could help the White Sox in the near future.

Smith consistently has hit for average and power as a pro. His best tool is his raw right-handed power, though at times he can get too aggressive at the plate, and his swing can get too long. Smith doesn't offer much speed, as would be expected from a 230-pound catcher.

Bigger than most backstops, Smith doesn't move especially well behind the plate, but he has made strides as a receiver, and he has enough arm to combat basestealers. While Smith may not profile as a starter, he could be a useful backup who can provide some pop off the bench.

Carroll strong but bullpen falters in finale

By Patrick Donnelly / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- A blister and a rosin bag might have been the only things standing in the way of a four- game sweep for the White Sox this weekend.

Sam Fuld hit a two-run single with two outs in the seventh as the Twins rallied against Chicago's bullpen for a 4-3 victory Sunday at Target Field.

The Twins rallied after starting pitcher Scott Carroll was forced out of the game with a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand. Carroll had only thrown 78 pitches and given up just one run on four hits, but the blister cropped up after the bottom of the sixth and manager Robin Ventura didn't want to push it. "I wasn't going to send him back out there the way his hand was, so we started going to the bullpen," Ventura said. "We have an off-day tomorrow so we could start a little bit earlier."

That didn't turn out as well as he had hoped. Ronald Belisario entered the game, but before he could even throw a pitch, plate umpire Jeff Kellogg made a trip to the mound and said Belisario had too much rosin on the left sleeve of his undershirt. Belisario returned to the foul line where his sleeve was cut off at the elbow. He also had to remove a bracelet he had tucked under that sleeve.

Ventura wouldn't blame Belisario's performance on the snafu, but the pitcher clearly wasn't happy about having to change his routine, especially when he felt he wasn't using any more rosin than normal.

"Yeah, I got mad," Belisario said. "I mean, I always wear it like that."

Leading, 2-1, Belisario walked Josh Willingham on four pitches to lead off the inning, and Chris Parmelee followed with a single. A wild pitch moved both runners up, and Belisario walked light-hitting backup catcher Eric Fryer to load the bases with no outs.

Javy Guerra inherited that mess and got Eduardo Escobar to foul out to Alexei Ramirez behind third base for the first out. Danny Santana lifted a fly to shallow right-center that Adam Eaton tracked down for the second out. Willingham decided to test his arm, and when Nieto couldn't make a sweep tag off Eaton's short-hop throw, the Twins had tied the game. Both runners moved up on the throw home, and Fuld brought them home with a single up the middle to put Minnesota on top for good.

"I was just trying to stay within my approach and not let the moment get to me," Fuld said. "I was just trying to shoot it up the middle and stay short."

But the White Sox weren't done. Adrian Nieto's first Major League home run -- an opposite-field shot just over the flower beds in left field -- pulled the White Sox back within a run in the eighth, and they made things interesting in the ninth against All-Star closer Glen Perkins.

Jose Abreu led off with a single, and pinch-runner Leury Garcia moved to third on Paul Konerko's pinch- hit single. Perkins fanned Dayan Viciedo on three pitches, then walked Conor Gillaspie to load the bases with one out. But Alejandro De Aza went down swinging at a slider in the dirt for the second out, and after a couple of close calls on foul balls, Gordon Beckham was retired on a routine fly to left to end the game.

"We had a chance there -- we just didn't get that big hit," Ventura said. "Gordon had a great at-bat to finish the game. He didn't get a hit, but he had a couple shots that were pretty close to dropping something in."

After being thoroughly dominated the first three games of the series, the Twins took their first lead of the series in the third inning when Santana's one-out triple scored Escobar from second for the first run of the game.

But that was all the Twins would get off Carroll, who has given up zero or one run in three of his last four starts. "I think the biggest thing I can take away from this is just staying within myself," Carroll said. "I didn't have my best stuff, but when I execute and not try to be too fine I think that's when my stuff plays really well."

In the end, after being swept in a four-game set in their last trip to Minnesota, the White Sox can be satisfied with taking three of four this weekend, setting up a three-game set with the first-place Tigers in Detroit starting Tuesday.

"Last time we were here they knocked us around pretty good, so it's nice to get some under our belt here," Ventura said. "We know we've got a tough series coming up."

Red-hot Quintana to open set vs. first-place Tigers

By Matt Slovin / MLB.com

On June 13, White Sox starter Jose Quintana was shelled by the Royals, giving up six runs in as many innings off eight hits.

In the seven starts since then, Quintana has pitched brilliantly. And, with the exception of Chris Sale, there is probably no other pitcher Chicago manager Robin Ventura would want on the mound as his team begins a three-game series with the first-place Tigers on Tuesday.

And, believe it or not, Quintana's numbers are actually more impressive than Sale's over those past seven starts. Opposing hitters have just a .188 average against Quintana over that span, while they're hitting .241 off Sale in that time. Quintana's ERA is marginally better as well.

Fortunately for the Tigers, they'll miss Sale during the three games at Comerica Park this week, facing Quintana, Hector Noesi and John Danks.

Far more enigmatic than Quintana has been Detroit's starter in Tuesday's opener, Anibal Sanchez. The right-hander has alternated wins and losses this month, victorious in his last start at Arizona. But the Diamondbacks garnered 11 hits off him in 6 1/3 innings, and Sanchez again ran into difficulty in the middle innings.

"We've seen that a few times in his last few starts," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "It's possible some guys tire gradually as the game goes on and some guys, all of a sudden ... they hit a wall, lose a little bit of the oomph behind the ball."

But the only member of the White Sox with more than 10 at-bats against Sanchez to have success is Alejandro De Aza, who is 4-for-11 against him. De Aza also broke up Minnesota's Yohan Pino's no-hit bid on Sunday with a fifth-inning single. Quintana, on the other hand, hasn't had nearly the same success against current Tigers. Four Detroit players -- Rajai Davis, Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez -- are batting over .300 against Quintana, with Davis leading the way at .400.

Chicago begins the series eight games behind the division-leading Tigers.

White Sox: Starting pitching keeping team in Wild Card hunt A month ago, it seemed that Chicago would surely be sellers at the trade deadline.

But now, with the club in striking distance of the American League's second Wild Card spot, that doesn't seem to be the case. The non-waiver Trade Deadline will pass on the day the White Sox leave Detroit.

According to manager Robin Ventura, it's the starting pitching that has kept his club in that race.

"If you get some outings like Noesi had [Friday] and you throw in Johnny, Sale and Q [Quintana], you have a chance to do that," Ventura said of his starting rotation. "I think any time you have a staff like that, you're going to be in some games and you can [make a run]."

Tigers: Jackson heating up as summer wears on Something will have to give in the matchup between Austin Jackson and Quintana on Tuesday.

The Tigers outfielder is hitting just .211 off Quintana with a .286 on-base percentage in 19 at-bats.

But few pitchers have been able to retire Jackson consistently this month. He's batting .351 with 10 RBIs.

Jackson also entered the Tigers' Sunday game tied for the AL lead with 33 hits this month.

Worth noting • The Tigers hold a 5-4 advantage in the season series over the White Sox.

• Jose Abreu went 1-for-3 with an RBI double off Sanchez in their last meeting.

• Detroit is coming off its only off-day until Aug. 18.

The Quotable Frank Thomas By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Here are some weekend comments primarily from Hall of Famer Frank Thomas but also about the Big Hurt.

“Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me ‘You can be someone special if you really work at it.’ I took that to heart, pops. Look at us today. We are a long way from Columbus, Georgia.” A quote from his speech Sunday about his late father that seemed to resonate with many “Your nickname for me really changed my life forever.” Talking about Ken ‘Hawk’ Harrelson and the arrival of the Big Hurt “I was Cool Hand Luke sitting there watching everyone’s speeches. As soon as I stood up, my knees started knocking.” Nerves and emotions overwhelming him when it was time to speak “He got me in his book.” Hall-of-Famer Goose Gossage on Thomas, who had one hit and one homer in eight career at- bats against him “Today is a bright stage amongst heroes. I wanted to get that out to the kids. Don’t take the shortcuts. Don’t do what other people say is cool or because it’s going to make you better. Believe in yourself, hard work and determination, stay true to yourself, is something I wanted to get out there.” Sending a clear message in his speech “My phone has been blowing up non-stop since the speech.” Joking about the response to the 138 players he mentioned “I’m in the Hall of Fame, man. It gets no better than that. These guys are my heroes. Looking on that stage, some of the greatest players, the Mt. Rushmore of baseball. It’s hard to take in. Emotions, they are what they are. I’m a young man, just 46 years old. To take this step at such a young age, I’m overjoyed.” Thomas’ weekend exclamation point “I’ve been working out hard the last two days but that’s not working either.” Trying to relieve the stress leading up to Sunday “I think 2006 is what defined my career, after being released in Chicago. Most people thought I was done. I knew I had a lot left.” His comeback season in Oakland “Thank you to the city of Chicago. You guys made the Big Hurt who he was in the greatest sports town in America. I know I’m biased, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment playing for you all and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” A moment of thanks for Chicago “You taught me to only want to be the best. You would always say to me, ‘Anyone can be good Frank, but the special ones want to be great.’” His special connection to Walt Hriniak

Big Hurt’s unofficial list of thanks

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Here is the highly unofficial list of players mentioned by Frank Thomas during the final minutes of his moving Hall of Fame speech that lasted 17:45 today. We, as in myself and two or three other beat writers, must have listened to this part of the speech 15 times, and then it became an interesting deductive process to figure out the players. We eventually nailed it down. See if you can figure out the tougher references.

“One Dog, Rock, Grebeck, R.V., Ozzie, Joey, Pudge, Karko, Psycho Lyons, Bo, Ellis, Black Jack, the Deacon, Sugar Ray, Alex, Wilson, Bere, Roberto, Thiggy, James Baldwin, Billy Bob, Buehrle, Hot Rod – thanks for the program Hot Rod. “D. Bo., Magglio, Carlos, Rowand, Jermaine Dye. He’s here today along with Aaron Rowand. Ivan, Phil, Paulie, Crede, Uribe, Charles Johnson, Sandy, T. Phillips, Harold, Melido, Howry, Foulke, Mike Jackson, Flash, Kenny, Sandy, A.J., Robbie, McElroy, Merullo, Spanky, Julio, Willie Chill, Singleton, Mouton, Davey, El Duque, Fordyce, Leifer, G. Bell, C. Everett, Danny Pasqua, D.J., McCaskill, Paul, Huff, Valentin, Abbott, Devereaux, Kammy Kam (mentioned him twice by accident), John Kruk, Sirotka, Magrane, Freeman, Krueter, Norton, Tartabull, D. Lew, Scott Eyre, Navarro, Bradford, Castillo, Mark Johnson, Garland, Lowe, Eldred, Graffanino, Marte, Bartolo, Cotts, Glover, Loaiza, Contreras, Freddy, Politte.

“I know it’s long. Sorry.

“Jenks, Lee, B.A., Podsednik, Blanton, Kiko, Duke, Gaudin, Harden, Haren, Kotsay, The late Joe Kennedy. He left us too soon and was a special friend of mine. Saarloos, Huston, Zito, Kendall, Melhuse, Swisher, Chavy, Crosby, Ellis, D.J., Scutaro, Milton, Kielty, J. Payton, Doc Halladay, Accardo, A.J., Downsie, Frasor, Rios, Casey, League, McGowan, Marcum, B.J., Towers, A. Hill, Vernon, Johnny Mac, Orlando, Reed, Raja and Big Red.

Thomas steals the show at Hall of Fame ceremony

Big Hurt speaks straight from the heart in thanking many

David Haugh / Chicago Tribune

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Before he delivered a Hall of Fame speech Sunday that was the equivalent of one of his tape-measure home runs, Frank Thomas took a deep breath and humbly made a request.

"Give me a second," an overwhelmed Thomas told the estimated crowd of 48,000.

The imposing 6-foot-5 hulk of a man gripped the lectern tighter, as if to steady himself, and exhaled a second time. Then Thomas spent the next 17 minutes wowing everybody in a way South Siders will be talking about for years.

"Thank you to the city of Chicago," said Thomas, considered the greatest White Sox hitter ever. "You guys made the Big Hurt who he was in the greatest sports town in America."

With due respect to a class that included Greg Maddux and Tony La Russa, Thomas' turn at the microphone on a muggy afternoon in upstate New York will be what baseball people remember most about the 2014 Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. The first-ballot Hall of Famer left the most lasting impression speaking straight from the heart, such as when he invoked his mother, Charlie Mae, making her first trip out of Columbus, Ga., in 15 years for this, and late father, Frank Sr.

"Frank Sr., I know you're watching and smiling in heaven," Thomas said, his voice cracking and tears falling. "Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me that you can be someone special if you really work at it. I took that to heart, Pops, and look at us today."

It will go down as the day the Big Hurt remembered all the little people. Thomas thanked everyone in the Sox organization from trainer Herm Schneider to PR chief Scott Reifert, not to mention 138 former teammates from Ozzie Guillen to Rodney McCray, who raised his hands in the air upon hearing his name in Section 2. The only folks who minded Thomas' roster roll-call might have been Cubs fans. Consider Thomas admitted later he eliminated 50 ex-teammates from the list for the sake of time.

Mercy, Hawk Harrelson made the cut for lending support and a nickname. So did Sox President Ken Williams — whom Thomas added wryly — high school coach Bobby Howard, mental coach Jim Fannin, hitting coach Walt Hriniak and late agent Robert Fraley, whose memory made Thomas choke on his words.

Thomas still was riding an emotional wave when he acknowledged his wife, Megan, who came into his life 15 years ago when "life was throwing me a curveball I could not hit."

"I was just overcome with emotion," Thomas said afterward. "I'm sorry about it but I'm not sorry about it. It is who I am. … My speech was all about thank-yous."

Months ago, Thomas decided not to make it a crusade for clean baseball and risk any criticism over the Steroids Era overshadowing his message of gratitude. Despite the platform, that was a smart decision on a day for celebrating the best of baseball, not the worst. Instead, Thomas understandably spoke only in code about PEDs, telling young kids at the end of his address that "there are no shortcuts to success."

"This is a special weekend," Thomas explained. "I just didn't think that stuff was necessary."

Editing himself came easier for Maddux, whose efficient 10-minute speech resembled so many of his 88- pitch starts. He blended humor with sincerity, mixing jokes about flatulence and John Smoltz's hairline between memories of his 355-victory career. He recalled ex-Cubs manager Gene Michael asking him 10 minutes before his first major league game in 1986 if he was the batboy.

Along with Tom Glavine and Bobby Cox, who conspired to turn the Braves into the team of the 1990s, Maddux helped give Sunday's event enough Atlanta flavor they could have served sweet tea. But the pitcher immortalized on his plaque for being "part scientist, part artist," also showed proper respect to the Cubs organization for whom he made 298 starts — no bigger gesture than getting enshrined without a logo on his hat.

"The city of Chicago and all Cubs fans are awesome, maybe the best in baseball," Maddux said. "(But) with the help of (agent) Scott Boras (in 1992), I moved to Atlanta."

After explaining he did so to raise a family and win a World Series, Maddux paused.

"Sorry, Chicago," he said to assorted chuckles.

Like Maddux, La Russa established Hall of Fame-worthy credentials after leaving Chicago yet considered those years in the city formative. One of the first scenes of La Russa's video tribute included Sox player Julio Cruz crossing the plate to clinch the 1983 AL West title. You could see La Russa smile, as if hearing "Na-na-na-na," in his head.

"A wonderful experience," said La Russa, who won a World Series with the A's and two with the Cardinals.

Sox fans loved hearing La Russa reminisce over the 1983 season, Tom Seaver's 300th victory in 1985 and advice former Bill Veeck adviser Paul Richards gave him. Oddly, La Russa omitted his dear friends and former bosses Jerry Reinsdorf and Roland Hemond from his speech, an oversight that suggested perhaps he was as nervous as his deliberate manner implied. La Russa focused on how fortunate he was to enjoy front-office support in all three of his stops, praised players from Harold Baines to Albert Pujols and outlined his three Ts: team, toughness and tenacity. But La Russa admitted experiencing anxiety once he was surrounded by the 50 living Hall of Famers in attendance, and it showed.

"I am not comfortable on this stage," La Russa said.

In contrast, Glavine was in command, as if facing a lineup full of left-handed batters. He traced his greatness back to throwing snowballs at cars as a boy.

"Little did I know how far my left arm was going to take me at that time," Glavine said.

Cox savored the moment, being alternately poignant and funny, such as when he was with Sox announcer Steve Stone and an autograph seeker only knew him as "the guy who gets thrown out of games."

Joe Torre acted as dignified as one would expect, thanking the Yankees family and recalling when Braves owner Ted Turner responded to his request for more money to buy a house by saying, "Rent." Pointing out he made the Hall of Fame despite being fired three times, Torre preached a message of perseverance — which might have resonated more with the audience if not for one small thing.

He followed the Big Hurt in the program, and Thomas stole the show.

Thomas thanks many in heartfelt Hall of Fame speech

Big Hurt gets emotional on his special day

By Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — If you didn't get thanked by Frank Thomas on Sunday, please raise your hand.

In a heartfelt speech at his Hall of Fame induction, Thomas made sure not to slight any of his favorite former teammates, coaches or other employees he met during the long and winding road from Columbus, Ga., to Cooperstown.

It was an emotional day for Thomas, 46, who teared up twice in front of a crowd estimated at 48,000 and mentioned everyone from former clubhouse man "Chicken Willie" Thompson to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

All in all, 138 people were mentioned, which could be another all-time record for the Big Hurt.

"This is my grand finale, and I just wanted to thank all the people that touched me," Thomas explained afterward.

"All those guys had something to do with my career, on the field, off the field. I got here the other day and I was like, 'Wait a minute, we can't do this.' "So I had to cut 50 guys off and go back. If it was up to me, I wish I could've gotten everybody in. There were a lot of people that meant a lot to me over the years, and I could not forget my teammates. They got me here, every day. I didn't drive those runners in by myself. We're all tight.

"Hopefully they got it all. My phone has been blowing up since I got here."

Thomas' speech went over the prescribed time limit by several minutes, but no one seemed to care. The big man was on a roll, and there was no stopping him.

Thomas batted fifth in Sunday's six-man lineup, sandwiched between managers Tony La Russa and Joe Torre. He predicted he would choke up when mentioning his late father, Frank Thomas Sr., and he did just that, shedding tears over the man who gave him the determination to become one of the elite hitters in baseball history.

"Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me, 'You can be someone special if you really work at it,' " Thomas told the crowd. "I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today."

Thomas' mother, Charlie Mae Thomas, was present for the ceremony, along with his family and friends.

Thomas was amazed at the turnout, saying Ozzie Smith had told him: "It's for real now. Look at all those people." Thomas had practiced his speech numerous times and said it all went well until he actually had to deliver it.

"I was 'Cool Hand Luke' sitting there watching everyone's speeches, and as soon as I stood up, my knees started knocking," he said. "And the first place I looked was at my mom.

"It hit me right in the heart because my mom hadn't left Columbus, Ga., in 15 years, and she was here today, so I just started crying right away. It was a huge day for me and my family, and I feel really blessed."

Thomas also cried when mentioning his late agent, Robert Fraley, and gave special shoutouts to former teammate and manager Ozzie Guillen, Sox announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson and hitting coach Walt Hriniak, whom he credited with making him the hitter he was.

Though he has been outspoken against PEDs during and after his career, Thomas decided not to make an issue of it during his speech, saying later that it wasn't "necessary" to address it on such a special stage.

Instead, Thomas referred in his closing comments to playing the game the right way.

"To all you kids out there, just remember one thing from today — there are no shortcuts to success," he said. "Hard work, dedication, commitment, staying true to who you are."

Thomas lived his life with no regrets and a big chip on his shoulder, and he has always said what's on his mind. His memorable speech showed a side of the Big Hurt that few outside his family and closest friends have seen, and there is no need to apologize for shedding a few tears.

"I was just overcome with emotion," he said. "I'm sorry about it, but I'm not sorry about it.

"It is what I am."

Transcript: Frank Thomas' Hall of Fame speech

Give me a second. Thank you, Mr. Commissioner, Ms. Jane Forbes Clark.

Today I would like to thank the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the baseball writers for selecting me as a first ballot selection in this 2014 Hall of Fame class. I'm so humbled and honored to be a part of this historic class of first ballot Hall of Famers. To share the stage in front of all the legendary men who made the game better for us all, I'm speechless.

I want to personally thank you all for being great role models and making this great game what it is today. Hard work, dedication and commitment. No short cuts to success, thanks for having me in your Club.

I would like to thank my parents, Charlie Mae Thomas, who’s here today, and the late Frank Thomas, Sr., for giving me the love and support that keep me involved in team sports in a lovely town Columbus, Georgia.

I would also like to thank my parents for working so hard to instill core values to make the best of life. We didn't have much but my parents worked tireless for me and my four siblings. Frank Sr., I know you're watching and smiling from heaven. Without you, I know 100 percent I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown today.

Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me: You can be someone special if you really work at. I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today. We're a long way from Columbus, Georgia. Mom, thanks for hanging in there and believing in the same vision. I know it wasn't easy, but I thank you for the motherly love and support.

Raising all of us was tough, but you and Dad made sure we made it. You guys made it look easy for us. I thank you and I love you, Mom.

I would now like to thank my beautiful wife, Megan, and my five wonderful children: Sterling, Sloan, Sydney, Frankie and Ashleigh Kate for making life so unforgettable for me. I know all five of you are different, and all five of you complete me day by day.

That's what makes me feel so blessed. You guys are my everything. There are no words to describe how much I love you guys.

I especially want to say thanks, Megan, for coming into my life 15 years ago. When we met, life was throwing me a curveball, one I could not hit. But meeting you really put pep in my step and made me believe in love again.

I thank you for teaching me the value of family first. You took my three older kids immediately as your own and changed my world forever. I know this wasn't easy but you proved your love for me from day one. I'm so blessed to be married to such a wonderful person. You complete me; I love you baby.

I would like to thank my siblings for all the love and support. My older sister, Gloria, Mary, Sharon and Michael. I can't name all my extended family and friends, I know you’re here, and I love you guys, but thank you for coming. My older brother, Michael, thanks for being my best friend and for always having my back. Mike World, I can tell you everything and you always have advice for me, some good some and some bad, but thanks for being honest. I love you, Bro.

In life, you have infrastructure. I would like to thank my team who has kept me grounded and in touch with reality from day one. First, the late Robert Fraley. I know you're not here, my friend, but thanks for watching my career and giving me professional guidance you gave me. It's priceless.

Robert, you once said to me, "Life is not fair. You have to work hard and earn your respect." You were so right. I thank you for being honest with me. I know you're somewhere in heaven directing traffic because that's what true leaders do.

I would like to thank Frank Bumstead. I thank you for becoming my father figure in my life after I lost my father. Robert Fraley introduced us, and without you, I have no clue where I would be today. I love you, man. Taryn Anderson, thank you for dealing with me on a daily basis, keeping me straight. I appreciate everything you do, because I know it's not easy. Thank you.

And Lisa Rybicki, I thank you for managing my life for 16 long years. Without you, my career could have fell off a long time ago. I thank you for keeping everyone in check. You did a wonderful job. Thank you, Lisa.

Also like to thank Arn Tellum and Joel Wolf for picking up the pieces later in my career and guiding me to new beginnings in Oakland and Toronto. I thank you guys.

Now, I would like to thank the Chicago White Sox organization for drafting me into professional baseball. Special thanks to Jerry Reinsdorf, Eddie Einhorn, Larry Himes, Al Goldis, Howard Pizer and Mike Rizzo for taking a chance on a kid from a small town with many big dreams.

Jerry, thanks for a long and wonderful ride in that Chicago White Sox uniform. You did a lot for me and you still mean a lot to me. Thank you, my friend.

Also I would like to thank all my general managers and managers along the way in Chicago: Ron Schuler, Danny Evans, Jeff Torborg, Gene Lamont, Terry Bevington and Kenny Williams, Jerry Manuel and a special thanks to Ozzie Guillen, 11 years as a teammate, three years as a manager, and I can thank you for getting me my only ring because we had that special bond for many years. I thank you, Ozzie, thank you very much.

A special thanks goes out to Ken Hawk Harrelson. Hawk thanks for penning me the Big Hurt. Your nickname for me really changed my life forever.

Hawk, I’d also like to thank you for being a friend and a source of guidance all those years on the plane, through the ups and downs, through the good and bad times, it was priceless picking your brain. Thank you, Hawk.

I would like to thank the Oakland A's and Toronto Blue Jays for believing in me as a free agent and signing me into their organizations. Lou Wolf, Billy Beane, Dave Forrest, thanks for taking a chance on me, twice. That 2000 season was magical. Without it, I doubt I would be speaking here today.

JP Richardi, Alex Anthopoulos, I thank you and the wonderful Toronto organization for bringing me to Toronto. Hitting No.500 in that Blue Jay uniform was a dream. Thanks for taking a chance on a 39 year old, I really appreciate that. In my career, I had so many magical moments in all three uniforms. It was a career filled with great memories and great people in all three great organizations. I will always be thankful for all of you. I would like to thank all the coaches who really made me tick and put in many hours of hard work with me.

You know I couldn't forget you guys. Bobby Howard, I know you're here somewhere, it started with you. You made me grow up in a hurry. Your no nonsense approach to the game was needed at an early age. Winning was the only option. You preached that and you made me work for it. Playing for you set my foundation for life. Love you and I thank you.

I would like to thank Pat Dye, Jay Jacobs, Hal Baird, under your guidance at Auburn University I became a man and you guys pushed me to new heights and instilled toughness and a will to win that I really never knew existed.

Coach Barrett, thanks for treating me like a pro before my time. I thank you, my friend. I know I couldn't make it here today, but I thank you.

Coach Dye, it's the same. I know you couldn't make it either, but I really thank you for letting me play both sports. The decision changed my life. I thank you for letting me follow my dreams. Your passion for what's right led me to my current package in baseball. I thank you Coach Dye and War Damn Eagle.

And this is a tough one. I have a special love for this man, Walt Hriniak, my favorite hitting coach of all time. I thank you for being honest from day one. You taught me to only want to be the best. You would always say to me, "Anyone could be good, Frank. But the special ones want to be great." Our work sessions were very consistent every day. It didn't matter if we were 10 for 10 or 0 for 10. It was the same process every day, no free lesson. Consistency and dedication was what made you tick, and I'm so grateful for your tutelage.

Having you first in the big leagues made it difficult for me when you left. Preparation for games wasn't the same any more, but I can always remember you saying, "Keep your f'ing head down and finish, Frank."

Thanks, Walter. Without you, I know I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown here today. Thanks to my other coaches who put in time with me. Sorry I can't ramble all day. I've been told by the rookie has to hurry you have.

Doug Mansolino, Mike Gellinger, Ron Jackson, Greg Walker, Gary Ward, Tom Pachoriek, Gerald Perry, Ron Washington, Ken Macha, John Gibbons, Mickey Bradley, Wallace Johnson,Dave Laroche, Joe Nossek, Cave Man Art Kushner, Mark Salas, Tommy Thompson, the late Kevin Hickey, Chet Demedio, Steve Odgers, Walt Pasternak, Allen Thomas, Clarence Cockrell and Donovan Santas and a special thanks to my friend and coach, Jim Fannin, I know you're here somewhere, Jim. You told me to live in the zone, on and off the field, and even today, I thank you, Buddy.

A heartfelt thanks to all my trainers. Thanks for all the hard work getting me to the post every day. Herm Schneider, I thank you for all the overtime you put in with me, 16 years of TLC. Hermie, thanks my man, you gave me the best professional care year in and year out. I'm so appreciative of you.

Mark Anderson, Brian Ball, Larry Davis, Steve Soupy Sales, Walt Horn, George Poulis - my main man George Poulis, Dave Abraham, Scott Takoe, Amy George and Tim Soder, I thank all of you for your help along the way. Just like to say special thanks to my clubhouse managers, I know they never get any love. Clubhouse managers, pr managers, traveling secretaries; the late Chicken Willie Thompson, Vinnie Fresso, Gabe Morrell, Steve Vuchinich, Jeff Ross, Scott Refeirt, Jay Steinhouse, Glen Rosenbaum, Mickey Morabtio, Mike Shaw, I thank you all for taking care of me. You're all great at what you do. Thanks for all the love.

I want to have a special thanks to all my doctors, I couldn't include all of you today, but a few of you, I'd like to say, thanks again, James Boscardin, Dr. Price, Lowell Wyle, Sr. Dr. Elliot Schwartz, I know Elliot is here. Thank you for what you did for me in Oakland, you're a friend and buddy.

But I have to say one special thank you to Dr. Richard Ferkel. Yes, Dr. Ferkel is here. You repaired my navicular fracture when everyone said I was done. I was sitting at 452 home runs and you looked at me and said, "I'm going to get you back on the field." You never doubted putting me back there and you helped me finish my career. And getting to Cooperstown, I never thought it would happen. I thank you, you mean so much to me and you mean more to me now as a friend. Thank you, Dr. Ferkel.

Getting here was a reflection of my teammates. You can't win any game without teammates, and I had the best of them. Over 850 of them in my time. Getting here as a series of reflections of their talents. I don't have all day here, I only have ten minutes and I might be over – I’m sorry, I'm an emotional guy because I wear my heart on my sleeve. So I'm going to give my guys a verbal montage, please bear with me.

Please bear with me: One Dog, Rock, Grabek, R.V., Ozzie, Joey, Pudge, Karko, Psycho Lyons, Bo, Ellis, Black Jack, the Deacon, Sugar Ray, Alex, Wilson, Bere, Roberto, Thiggy, James Baldwin, Billy Bob, Buehrle, Hot Rod – thanks for the program Hot Rod. D. Bo., Magglio, Carlos, Rowand, Jermaine Dye. He’s here today along with Aaron Rowand. Ivan, Phil, Paulie, Crede, Uribe, Charles Johnson, Sandy, T. Phillips, Harold, Melido, Howry, Foulke, Mike Jackson, Flash, Kenny, Sandy, A.J., Robbie, McElroy, Marullo, Spanky, Julio, Willie Chill, Singleton, Mouton, Davey, El Duque, Fordyce, Leifer, G. Bell, C. Everett, Danny Pasqua, D.J., McCaskill, Paul, Huff, Valentin, Abbott, Devereaux, Kammy Kam (mentioned him twice by accident), John Kruk, Sirotka, Magrane, Freeman, Krueter, Norton, Tartabull, D. Lew, Scott Eyre, Navarro, Bradford, Castillo, Mark Johnson, Garland, Lowe, Eldred, Graffanino, Marte, Bartolo, Cotts, Glover, Loaiza, Contreras, Freddy, Politte. I know it’s long. Sorry. Jenks, Lee, B.A., Podsednik, Blanton, Kiko, Duke, Gaudin, Harden, Haren, Kotsay, The late Joe Kennedy. He left us too soon and was a special friend of mine. Saarloos, Huston, Zito, Kendall, Melhuse, Swisher, Chavy, Crosby, Ellis, D.J., Scutaro, Milton, Kielty, J. Payton, Doc Halladay, Accardo, A.J., Downsie, Frasor, Rios, Casey, League, McGowan, Marcum, B.J., Towers, A. Hill, Vernon, Johnny Mac, Orlando, Reed, Raja and Big Red.

Yeah, it was real. You guys are my family away from home. I miss all of you, I’m glad to have known all of you, I’m sorry I couldn’t name the rest of you guys. I’d probably be getting hit on the head right now from the guys in the back, but I thank you man.

In closing I would like to say thank you to the city of Chicago. You guys make the Big Hurt who he was in the greatest sport town in America. I know I'm biased, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment playing for you all. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Oakland and Toronto, I thank you for great fan bases, also making me feel at home. It was short lived but I appreciate the love from both of you great cities.

To all you kids out there, just remember one thing from today. There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, dedication, commitment, stay true to who you are. God bless you all, and I thank you.

Twins rally to prevent a White Sox sweep Belisario gives up 3 runs in 7th, spoiling Carroll's solid outing

By Colleen Kane, Tribune reporter

MINNEAPOLIS — The White Sox flashed much of what can be good about their team in the first three games of their series against the Twins over the weekend.

Their limitations were on display Sunday in a 4-3 loss at Target Field that prevented their first four-game sweep in Minnesota.

Sox reliever Ronald Belisario, already bothered by umpires interrupting his pitching to have him remove a potentially distracting bracelet, had more to be upset about when he gave up three earned runs without recording an out in the seventh inning to help the Twins pull ahead. Belisario was saddled with his seventh loss of the season, and his ERA jumped to 5.22.

Trailing 4-3, the Sox loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Twins reliever Glen Perkins, but Alejandro De Aza struck out and Gordon Beckham flied out to end it.

"They were fighting and clawing all day," Sox manager Robin Ventura said of his team. "Their guy (starter Yohan Pino) was good, getting it close enough for guys to swing at and getting guys popping up and swinging at stuff."

Belisario entered under unfortunate circumstances given that right-hander Scott Carroll had held the Twins to one run on four hits while walking only one in six innings. But Carroll had a blister on his right middle finger that began to affect his throwing.

Carroll said he didn't have his best stuff Sunday, but he was encouraged that he was able to pitch through it. The Twins' only run off him came in the third on Danny Santana's RBI triple that bounced off the outfield wall and ricocheted off Sox right fielder Dayan Viciedo.

"I wanted to go deeper in the game, but (the blister) flared up," Carroll said. "I wasn't able to fully finish pitches like I wanted to, so we thought it was best to call it after six."

Early in his appearance, umpires pulled Belisario aside to tell him to remove a bracelet on his glove hand and wipe off rosin that showed on his black shirt sleeve. Whether the wardrobe disagreement had anything to do with the performance, Belisario said it upset him, and he still was aggravated after the game.

"I got mad because I always wear it like that," he said. "I told them I would put it under, and they said, 'No you need to take it off.' I said, 'Why? They're not going to see it.' But whatever."

With the Sox leading 2-1, Belisario loaded the bases on two walks and a single. Santana drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly to center off Javy Guerra. Sox center fielder Adam Eaton's throw to the plate hopped by catcher Adrian Nieto.

The Twins' Sam Fuld hit a two-run single to give the Twins a 4-2 lead. Nieto got one of those runs back in the eighth when he hit his first major league home run.

Reliever Ronald Belisario melts down in White Sox’ loss to Twins By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times

MINNEAPOLIS — Scott Carroll was taken out because of a blister, Ronald Belisario was taken aback over a bracelet and, just like that, a one-run lead disappeared for the White Sox in a 4-3 loss Sunday to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

The Sox led 2-1 before Belisario, who was called on to start the seventh inning when Carroll was forced to exit after only 78 pitches, walked Josh Willingham on four pitches after plate umpire Jeff Kellogg made him remove a bracelet from his left wrist. Trainer Herm Schneider was summoned to remove the bracelet, which Belisario wears for religious reasons and wasn’t visible on his non-throwing arm. Kellogg also told Belisario that the white rosin on his black left sleeve had to go, too.

‘‘I always wear it like that; it’s bull----,’’ said Belisario, who admitted the whole thing got into his head. ‘‘Yeah, I got mad because I always wear it like that. Both of them.’’

After the walk to Willingham, Chris Parmelee singled on the next pitch. When the next hitter, Eric Fryer, squared to bunt, Belisario threw a wild pitch high and in. After Fryer walked to load the bases, Javy Guerra was called on to clean up the mess but couldn’t. A sacrifice fly by Danny Santana and a two-run single by Sam Fuld knocked in the three runners Belisario had put on, and the last-place Twins had what they needed to avoid a four-game sweep.

‘‘It could have thrown [Belisario] off,’’ said Sox catcher Adrian Nieto, who hit his first career home run in the eighth. ‘‘Maybe, by his expression, [it did].’’

It was another blemish on the Sox’ bullpen, which wasn’t needed much in the first three games of the series because of a lineup that cranked out 21 runs and 42 hits in those games. The loss sent the Sox to Detroit for three games before the non-waiver trade deadline Thursday with a 51-55 record. They’re only a handful of games out of the second wild-card spot, but they’re also a behind a handful of teams, which likely sets them up more as sellers than buyers as the deadline approaches.

‘‘It’s tough right now when you look at [reliever Zach] Putnam on the DL, [outfielder] Avi [Garcia] not here,’’ manager Robin Ventura said when asked about where his team stands in the wild-card picture. ‘‘Where you looked at it a few months ago is different than how you look at it now. . . . Guys are playing hard. They’re scratching, clawing. Wherever it ends up, it ends up.’’

In the ninth, the Sox put runners at the corners with no outs on singles by Jose Abreu and pinch hitter Paul Konerko. But Twins closer Glen Perkins pitched out of the jam by striking out Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza around a walk to Conor Gillaspie, then retiring Gordon Beckham on a fly to left.

Nieto, who got the silent treatment from teammates after his homer, made a point to second Ventura’s take that the Sox are battling. ‘‘We fought, man,’’ Nieto said. ‘‘Look at the last inning — bases loaded with a chance to tie or go ahead. I like how the guys around here really wanted this last game. We won three in a row. This past series, the dugout was amazing. It was awesome, cheering the whole time, rooting for each other.’’

The bigger cheers came when Beckham doubled, Alexei Ramirez drove him in with a sacrifice fly and Abreu doubled in the go-ahead run in the sixth. That all went down right when former Sox slugger Frank Thomas was making his Hall of Fame induction speech.

Too bad Carroll had only one inning left in him.

Reliever Matt Lindstrom targets return in early August

By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times

MINNEAPOLIS — Help for the bullpen should be on the way soon. Right-hander Matt Lindstrom said he expects to be ready when the White Sox visit Seattle for a four-game series that starts Aug. 7.

Lindstrom, who opened the season as the closer before being sidelined by a torn sheath in his left ankle that required surgery, last pitched May 19. He is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game Tuesday in Detroit before going on a rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte.

‘‘I’m excited,’’ Lindstrom said Sunday.

Lindstrom said he still has some mild discomfort around the area that was repaired, but he said it doesn’t affect his throwing. He said he passed agility tests covering first base and fielding Saturday.

In 19 innings over 19 appearances, Lindstrom was 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA and six saves.

On Sale now

Left-hander Chris Sale woke up as the American League ERA leader among starting pitchers at 1.88. Only Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw(1.76) has a lower ERA among starters in the majors. Sale, 25, has taken his game up a notch this season. ‘‘He’s better in that he manages his pitches better. [He’s] a little more efficient, jumping ahead and throwing different things at different times,’’ said managerRobin Ventura, who added Sale’s use of fewer sliders and more changeups has been a plus and is probably good for his arm, too.

‘‘He manages getting ahead and controlling the inning but not having to max everything out on every pitch. That’s when you start growing, and you see these guys move from being a good pitcher to a great pitcher.’’

Asked what his plan would be against Sale, Ventura — who was a left-handed hitter — said: ‘‘It wouldn’t be good. The angle he creates on a lefty, survival is the first thought.’’

Stoney and Wimpy, continued

Broadcaster Ken Harrelson, who missed the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins while in Cooperstown for Hall of Fame festivities, will miss the series against the Tigers in Detroit to tend to a personal matter in Orlando, Florida.Tom Paciorek will continue to serve as the color analyst, while Steve Stonehandles more play-by-play duty.

Paciorek, Harrelson’s partner from 1991 to 1999, no longer broadcasts for other teams and doesn’t care to.

‘‘The people [with the Sox] are the best to work for,’’ he said. ‘‘I can relax and be myself.’’

Paciorek lauded Stone’s play-by-play work.

‘‘I listen to a lot of broadcasters — a lot of them — and he’s better than a lot of them and as good as anybody,’’ Paciorek said.

Streak buster

Slugger Jose Abreu’s RBI double in the sixth inning extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Abreu, who was 2-for-3 to raise his average to .294, has hit safely in 35 of his last 36 games.

In Abreu’s only hitless game during that stretch, Leury Garcia pinch-ran for him with two outs in the ninth inning of a tie game July 5 against the Mariners. Garcia got two more at-bats in extra innings, and the Sox went on to lose 3-2 in the 14th.

Emotional Frank Thomas shows heartwarming side in Cooperstown By Rick Morrissey / Chicago Sun-Times

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Once the tears started, they never really stopped. And seeing as how they started the moment Frank Thomas stepped to the podium Sunday, there was a very good chance he was going to be at flood stage three minutes into his Hall of Fame induction speech.

Thomas is an emotional guy. We know that. We had seen it, along with a lot of fine hitting, in his 16 seasons with the White Sox. What we hadn’t seen much of, at least in this quantity, was the graciousness he displayed here. The scope of his gratitude was so wide that the huge crowd threatened to be swept away. By that and the tears. It wasn’t just the names Thomas mentioned — and he mentioned a lot — it was the feeling with which he mentioned them.

The self-absorbed hitter we had witnessed so often over the years, that guy we media members certainly had no trouble portraying, was nowhere to be seen.

He had a special message for his dad, who passed away in 2001.

“Frank Sr., I know you’re watching and smiling from heaven,’’ he said. “Without you, I know 100 percent I wouldn’t be here in Cooperstown today. Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me, ‘You can be someone special if you really work at it.’ I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today.’’

A handkerchief came to the rescue. It would get quite a workout. Maybe yours did, too.

Thomas cried for his late agent, Robert Fraley, who had died in a plane accident along with golfer Payne Stewart in 1999. He named 138 teammates, which might sound excessive, but he said he had to cut out about 50 others because of time constraints.

In a staccato burst, the first-ballot Hall of Famer mentioned players you might know and players you might not know.

“One-Dog, Rock, Grebeck, RV, Ozzie . . .’’

Big names, little names, no-names.

“Blackjack, The Deacon, Sugar Ray . . .’’

Shall he go on? He shall.

“Graffanino, Marte, Bartolo . . .’’

It was a run-on sentence of appreciation, and you couldn’t help but forgive him his excess. He named Sox trainers, clubhouse attendants, coaches, managers, general managers and, with emphasis, “Kenny Williams,’’ with whom he had clashed after signing with the Athletics in 2006. He had “special love’’ for former Sox hitting coach Walt Hriniak, who played a big role in Thomas’ .301 career batting average and 521 home runs.

“I could always remember you saying, ‘Keep your effing head down and finish, Frank,’ ’’ Thomas said, his voice cracking.

He could have talked more about performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, but what he said was enough: “To all you kids out there, just remember one thing from today: There are no shortcuts to success.’’

Had he gone on more, he might have been accused of whining about the cheaters who had stolen some individual awards, stolen some of his thunder. He didn’t.

Instead, this day was about many of the people who had helped him throughout his life. And the more he talked about them, the more his hard edges seemed to melt away. Funny how that works.

We hadn’t seen enough of this Frank Thomas when he was with the Sox. Not like this. Not with this much earnestness. Maybe letting his guard down as a player would have taken away from his ability to concentrate on baseball. Who knows? But it was nice to see this version of him.

Getting into the Hall of Fame affects people in different ways. The haughty can become haughtier. For Thomas, it seems to have drilled down and found a deep reserve of humility.

Everyone seemed happy on this day, perhaps even fellow inductee Tony La Russa, though I’ll need scientific proof. Greg Maddux told the crowd that Cubs fans “were maybe the best in baseball’’ and reiterated what he had said the day before, that he had left for Atlanta after the 1992 season to win a World Series. Ouch again.

“Sorry, Chicago,’’ he said.

But this turned out to be Thomas’ show. He started crying when he first caught sight of his mom, Charlie Mae, who he said hadn’t been outside of Columbus, Georgia, in 15 years.

Of his father, he later told media members, “You guys don’t understand: My dad was my everything.’’

Over and over again during his career, Thomas said he was misunderstood. After a 17-minute, 43-second speech, we understand a little better now.

Frank Thomas inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Associated Press

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Frank Thomas, the most accomplished slugger in Chicago White Sox history, has been inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Nicknamed “The Big Hurt” for his bat prowess, Thomas won AL MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 and finished his 19-year career with a .301 batting average, 521 homers and 1,704 RBIs. He’s also the only player in major league history with seven straight seasons with a .300 average, 20 homers, 100 RBIs and 100 walks, and the first Hall of Famer who spent the majority of his career as a designated hitter.

Thomas played 16 years for the White Sox and established himself as the best hitter in franchise history. He holds the team record for homers (448), doubles (447), RBIs (1,465), runs (1,327), extra-base hits (906), walks (1,466), total bases (3,949), slugging percentage (.568) and on-base percentage (.427).

White Sox second to none at first base

By Chris Rongey / Daily Herald

Historically, the White Sox have been known as a franchise successful at throwing the baseball. You won't find many years over the last decade or so that would be considered thin pitching seasons.

Usually, the Sox have excelled in that area. In fact, since 2003, no team in baseball has made more quality starts than they have.

They're good for 1,029 of them over that time. It's rare that we go into a season with great concern over the pitching staff. More often than not, it's a point of comfort.

But let's a take a moment to acknowledge an area where the Sox may have been even more fortunate: first base.

That's probably obvious now with Frank Thomas' induction into the Hall of Fame, but just think about how good the Sox and their fans have had it in that department over the last quarter of a century. Frank to Paul Konerko to Jose Abreu. That's not terrible.

From his introduction to the American League in 1990, it was immediately clear Big Hurt was going to be an offensive beast, and not until injuries and time took their toll did he ever show otherwise. Leading up to Sunday's ceremonies in Cooperstown, we spent days exhausting the credentials of the best hitter in the history of the franchise, so I'll leave those accolades to every other person who has written or talked about him since his election.

You're already fully aware of how great he was.

So, then there was Konerko coming along just in time to take over first and allow Thomas to slide into the primary designated hitter spot. Konerko, though not the fastest or most agile of athletes, saved his share of errors with a velvet glove in the field.

But, of course, it really wasn't about defense with Konerko as he's arguably the second-best hitter the organization has ever seen and rivals Thomas in many career categories such as home runs and total bases. He also will finish his career as a six-time all-star.

One day, Konerko will have a statue on the U.S. Cellular Field concourse.

Today, there's Abreu, whose entire career is yet to be defined but is off to a marvelous start. His offseason signing already is a success, and he already has made history, both as a rookie and as a player of any tenure.

He's the most exciting offensive player the Sox have had since Thomas, the kind of guy who makes you make sure you're in position to watch him while he's in the box.

It's not very often you get to see one of your team's players deliver a speech at the Hall of Fame. It's also not very often that you'd change the channel mid-speech to see what else was happening.

You might have used that lfashback button on your remote Sunday, though, because while big Frank was giving his emotional address in New York, Abreu was simultaneously putting his team ahead with an RBI double in Minnesota.

The White Sox have been blessed at that corner of the infield for quite some time. And though it's nearly impossible to replace a Hall of Fame-caliber player at any position, the Sox have done just fine.

Better than fine, actually.

‘Emotional’ Thomas takes his spot in Cooperstown

By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- You only get one Hall of Fame speech, so why not make it memorable? Frank Thomas sure did Sunday after he was inducted into major-league baseball's ultimate shrine.

When he wasn't consumed thanking his family, old coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors, traveling secretaries and clubhouse attendants, the greatest hitter in White Sox history was fighting back tears and trying to keep his emotions from completely going off the tracks.

"I'm sorry about it, but I'm not sorry about it," Thomas said afterward. "It is who I am. I'm sorry, I'm an emotional guy because I wear my heart on my sleeve."

With an estimated crowd of 50,000 on hand, Thomas was feeling pretty good about his speech as his VIP bus neared Clark Sports Center, an idyllic spot in upstate New York.

"Turning the corner, Ozzie (Smith) said, 'It's for real now,' " Thomas said. "I was Cool Hand Luke sitting there listening to the other speeches, but as soon as I stood up my knees locked."

Thomas said he practiced his speech -- which ran almost 18 minutes -- countless times. "What you heard onstage was nothing like the practices," Thomas said.

In his opening remarks, Thomas was quick to thank his mother, Charlie Mae Thomas, and his late father, Frank Thomas Sr.

Thomas' mother had not been outside of the family's native Columbus, Ga., in 15 years, but she made the trip to the Hall of Fame. Coupled with his father's absence, Thomas had a hard time maintaining his composure.

"I would like to thank my parents for working so hard to instill core values to make the best of life," Thomas said while frequently drying tears. "We didn't have much, but my parents worked tirelessly for me and my four siblings. Frank Sr., I know you are watching and smiling from heaven. Without you, I know 100 percent I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown today.

"Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me, 'You can be someone special if you really work at it.' I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today. We are a long way from Columbus, Ga.

"Mom, thanks for hanging in there and believing in the same vision. I know it wasn't easy, but I thank you for all the motherly love and support. You and dad made sure that we made it."

Thomas went on to thank his wife, Megan, and five children. He thanked his four brothers and sisters, he thanked Robert Fraley, his late agent, and he also thanked countless others who helped put him on the path to Cooperstown. When he got to the White Sox -- the team he is representing in the Hall of Fame -- Thomas gave hat tips to everyone from chairman Jerry Reinsdorf to Ron Schueler to Terry Bevington to Kenny Williams, and he again talked about the major influence of hitting coach Walt Hriniak.

"Walt, I thank you for being honest from Day One," Thomas said. "You taught me to only want to be the best. You would always say to me, 'Anyone can be good Frank, but the special ones want to be great.' "

Thomas also had special salutes for two other members of the Sox.

"A special thanks to Ozzie Guillen," Thomas said. "Eleven years as a teammate and three years as a manager, and I can thank you for giving me my only (World Series) ring. We had that special bond for many years. I thank you, Ozzie. I thank you very much.

"A special thanks goes out to Ken 'Hawk' Harrelson. Hawk, thanks for picking me the Big Hurt. Your nickname for me really changed my life forever. I also want to thank you, Hawk, for being a friend, a source of guidance all those years on the plane, through the ups and downs, the good and bad times. It was priceless picking your brain."

After that, Thomas thanked almost 140 ex-teammates, including Jermaine Dye and Aaron Rowand, who were on hand for his induction.

"They all became friends," Thomas said. "Playing baseball for so many years, you develop friendships, and all those guys had something to do with my career, on the field and off the field. I had to cut 50 guys off the list and I feel bad."

At the end of his Hall of Fame speech, Thomas breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"It was a big day," he said. "It was a huge day for me and my family. I feel like I have 50 pounds off my back. It was a heavy week, a special week.

"I have my place in history now."

Thomas, Maddux, 4 others inducted into baseball Hall of Fame

Associated Press

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Three men who made their mark on the baseball diamond and three who made theirs from the dugout were inducted Sunday into baseball's Hall of Fame. The six men, three of whom have ties to the Cubs and White Sox, addressed the thousands who gathered in Cooperstown, thanking those who helped them along the way.

Frank Thomas

Thomas, the most accomplished slugger in White Sox history, was nicknamed "The Big Hurt" for his bat prowess, He won AL MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 and finished his 19-year career with a .301 batting average, 521 homers and 1,704 RBIs. He's also the only player in major league history with seven straight seasons with a .300 average, 20 homers, 100 RBIs and 100 walks, and the first Hall of Famer who spent the majority of his career as a designated hitter.

Greg Maddux

Maddux won 355 games over a 23-year major league career. Nicknamed "Mad Dog," Maddux had stints with the Braves, Cubs, Padres and Dodgers and won four straight Cy Young Awards, leading the NL in innings each season.

Known for his pinpoint control, Maddux walked just 999 in 5,008 1-3 innings and ranks 10th in strikeouts with 3,371. He also was a sharp fielder, capturing 18 Gold Gloves, and was an All-Star eight times.

Maddux and fellow inductee Tom Glavine were mainstays of the Braves staff, helping Atlanta win 14 division titles in a row starting in the 1990s.

Tom Glavine

Glavine is the rare athlete drafted by two professional leagues in different sports. He won 305 games and two Cy Young Awards, and posted five seasons with 20 or more victories. Only three left-handers have more wins -- Warren Spahn, Steve Carlton and Eddie Plank.

Drafted by the Braves in 1984, Glavine also was taken by the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL draft that year but chose to focus on baseball.

Glavine was on the mound when the Braves won Game 6 to clinch the 1995 World Series and give the city of Atlanta its lone major sports title. Tony La Russa

La Russa, third all-time in victories as a manager, 2,728 times in his long career, behind only Connie Mack and John McGraw. He was picked as manager of the year four times and won 12 division titles, six pennants and World Series titles in 1989, 2006, and 2011.

Signed by the Kansas City Athletics in 1962, La Russa's six-year major league career as an infielder was forgettable. He batted .199 with no home runs in 132 games.

But after earning a law degree at Florida State University and giving managing a try in the minor leagues, he found his niche, was elevated to manage the White Sox in 1979, and his managing career took off. He won two championships with St. Louis and one with Oakland.

Joe Torre

Torre, the managerial mastermind of the resurgence of the New York Yankees, excelled as a player -- in 1971 he won National League MVP honors with a signature season that included 230 hits and a .363 average, 97 runs, and 137 RBIs for the St. Louis Cardinals -- but he became something special in the Yankees dugout.

Despite mediocre stints managing the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals (five winning seasons in 15 years), Torre was hired by the Yankees prior to the 1996 season. In 12 years with Torre at the helm, the Yankees won 10 division titles, six AL pennants, and four World Series.

Torre is the only man to amass more than 2,000 hits (2,342) as a player and win more than 2,000 games (2,326) as a manager, according to STATS.

Bobby Cox

Cox guided the Atlanta Braves to an unprecedented 14 straight division titles and 15 playoff appearances.

A light-hitting infielder who appeared in 220 games for the New York Yankees in 1968-69, Cox found his niche in the dugout. He retired after the 2010 season with 2,504 victories in 29 seasons, fourth behind Connie Mack, John McGraw and fellow inductee Tony La Russa.

The feisty Cox, who also spent four years in Toronto, was a four-time Manager of the Year, three in the NL and one in the AL, and holds the major league record with 159 ejections.

Thomas shows emotion in 'grand finale'

By Doug Padilla / ESPN Chicago

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Showing a heart that was just as big as any of the eye-popping numbers he produced in a storied career, Frank Thomas was moved to tears during his Hall of Fame induction speech Sunday.

Thomas was, in fact, the only inductee to shed tears, losing it early at the mention of his late father Frank Sr., who passed away in 2001.

“Frank Sr., I know you're watching and smiling from heaven,” Thomas said to a crowd of 48,000 gathered on a grass field just south of the Hall of Fame doors. “Without you, I know 100 percent I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown today. Thanks for pushing me and always preaching to me: You can be someone special if you really work at. I took that to heart, Pops. Look at us today.”

At that moment, the tears began to flow as Thomas was at the outset of a 17-minute, 45-second speech that was big on thank yous.

Thomas went to every corner of his life to make sure those who helped make him the person and player he was were recognized. He concluded with a rapid-fire list of 138 former teammates Thomas insisted on including, even though he was well over his allotted time limit.

With all of his family in attendance, including his mother Charlie Mae, who hadn't left Columbus, Georgia, in 15 years, Thomas recalled his high school baseball days, as well as his time as a football and baseball player at Auburn.

He thanked agents, coaches, friends, business associates and anybody else who touched him over his adult life. After his family, he reserved the warmest comments for White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

“Jerry, thanks for a long and wonderful ride in that Chicago White Sox uniform,” Thomas said. “You did a lot for me and you still mean a lot to me. Thank you, my friend.”

Often criticized for being a me-first player, especially because of his extreme interest in statistics and league-leader lists, Thomas' speech was the antithesis of that. He showed a vulnerability that added to the emotion as well.

Sitting next to fellow inductee Joe Torre long after his speech was completed, Thomas finally looked at peace after an anxious weekend that had him anticipating his address to the overflow crowd. Torre smiled as Thomas spoke of the reverence he has for his father.

“It was rough,” Thomas said. “Some of the closest people in my life are gone. When you get to that, it’s a lot of emotion. My father meant so much to me, and he’s not here today. I probably won’t get over this until the day is over. It was a special moment. This was my grand finale. I wanted to thank all the people who touched me. I thanked everyone who got me to this point. I definitely didn’t get here alone and I’m proud of that.”

Ozzie Guillen also received significant mention. Guillen and Thomas had a unique bond, with Guillen often antagonizing Thomas. In turn, Thomas admitted he was able to use any anger or frustration he had toward Guillen and Joey Cora and turn it into success on the field.

“And a special thanks to Ozzie Guillen, 11 years as a teammate, three years as a manager, and I can thank you for getting me my only ring, because we had that special bond for many years,” Thomas told the crowd. “I thank you, Ozzie, thank you very much.”

If the years weren’t correct, the sentiment hit right on target. Thomas and Guillen were teammates for just seven years and Guillen managed Thomas for just two seasons.

Thomas went on to thank trainers and doctors for getting him back on the field each day, reserving plenty of love for longtime White Sox trainer Herm Schneider.

After naming as many teammates as he could pack into a short amount of time, Thomas’s speech circled back to White Sox fans.

“In closing I would like to say thank you to the city of Chicago,” he said. “You guys made the Big Hurt who he was in the greatest sports town in America. I know I’m biased but I thoroughly enjoyed playing for you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Oakland, Toronto, I thank you for great fan bases and also for making me feel at home. It was short-lived, but I appreciate the love from both of you great cities.”

Playing in the heart of the Steroid Era, Thomas prided himself on not using performance-enhancing substances during a 19-year career, but he declined to get steroids-heavy in his speech. But he did close with a little advice to young athletes everywhere.

“To all you kids out there, just remember one thing from today: There is no shortcuts to success,” Thomas said. “Hard work, dedication, commitment. Stay true to who you are. God bless you all and I thank you.”

Thomas said afterward that a Hall of Fame speech wasn’t the place for a discussion on steroids.

“It wasn’t thought,” Thomas said afterward. “This is a special weekend. I just didn’t think that stuff was necessary. We all know what has happened over the last 15 years in baseball. Today is a bright stage among heroes.

“I wanted to get that out to the kids. Don’t take the shortcuts. Don’t do what other people say is cool or because it’s going to make you better. Believe in yourself, hard work and determination -- stay true to yourself is something I wanted to get out there.”

While players with great numbers are on the outside looking in at Cooperstown, Thomas was able to speak in front of 50 Hall of Famers and five fellow inductees Sunday to talk about his road to greatness.

“I would also like to thank my parents for working so hard to instill core values to make the best of life,” Thomas said. “We didn't have much but my parents worked tireless for me and my four siblings.”

Thomas' teammate list goes 138 deep

By Doug Padilla / ESPN Chicago

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Frank Thomas delivered what figures to be the most memorable speech at Sunday’s National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony with an address that was both emotional and full of thanks.

At the tail end of the speech, Thomas named 138 former teammates in rapid-fire succession. The list included players from the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.

Inductees were limited to a 10-minute speech and by the time Thomas gets to the teammates portion he had already reached the 15-minute mark.

Here is the transcription of a two-minute portion of the speech where Thomas showed that perhaps a job as an auctioneer is in his future:

“I don’t have all day here, I only have 10 minutes and I might be over. Sorry. I’m an emotional guy because I wear my heart on my sleeve. So I will give my guys a verbal montage. Please bear with me.

“One Dog, Rock, Grabek, R.V., Ozzie, Joey, Pudge, Karko, Psycho Lyons, Bo, Ellis, Black Jack, the Deacon, Sugar Ray, Alex, Wilson, Bere, Roberto, Thiggy, James Baldwin, Billy Bob, Buehrle, Hot Rod -- thanks for the program Hot Rod.

“D. Bo, Magglio, Carlos, Rowand, Jermaine Dye. He’s here today along with Aaron Rowand. Ivan, Phil, Paulie, Crede, Uribe, Charles Johnson, Sandy, T. Phillips, Harold, Melido, Howry, Folke, Mike Jackson, Flash, Kenny, Sandy, A.J., Robbie, McIlroy, Maerullo, Spanky, Julio, Willie Chill, Singleton, Mouton, Davey, El Duque, Fordice, Leifer, G. Bell, C. Everett, Danny Pasqua, D.J., McCaskill, Paul, Huff, Valentin, Abbott, Devereaux, Cammy Cam, John Kruk, Sirotka, McGrane, Freeman, Krueter, Norton, Tartabul, D. Lew, Scott Eyre, Navarro, Bradford, Castillo, Mark Johnson, Garland, Lowe, Eldred, Grafanino, Marte, Bartolo, Cotts, Glover, Loaiza, Contreras, Freddy, Politte.

“I know it’s long. Sorry.

“Jenks, Lee, B.A., Podsednik, Blanton, Keko, Duke, Gaudin, Harden, Haren, Kotsay, The late Joe Kennedy. He left us too soon and was a special friend of mine. Saarloos, Huston, Zito, Kendall, Melhuse, Swisher, Chavy, Crosby, Ellis, D.J., Scutaro, Milton, Kielty, J. Payton, Doc Halladay, Accardo, A.J., Downsie, Frasor, Rios, Casey, League, McGowan, Marcum, B.J., Towers, A. Hill, Vernon, Johnny Mac, Orlando, Reed, Raja and Big Red.

“Yeah it was real. You guys were my family away from home. I miss all of you. I’m glad to have known all of you. I’m sorry I couldn’t name the rest of you guys. I’ll probably get hit in the head right now from the guys in the back. But thank you man.”

Thomas admitted after the speech was completed that he omitted 50 teammates knowing that he was short on time and offered an apology to anybody that didn't hear their name.

Tearful Frank Thomas on HOF entry: ‘It gets no better than that’

By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- About three quarters into a moving speech on Sunday afternoon, including a touching tribute to his deceased father, Frank Thomas apologized to his fellow Hall of Famers.

“I’m an emotional guy because I wear my heart on my sleeve,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ 17-minute, 45-second speech on induction day at the National Baseball Hall of Fame was full of sentiment as the former White Sox slugger thanked seemingly everyone on and off the field from a 19- year career.

But Thomas made no apologies -- nor was one necessary -- afterward for his passionate display in front of an estimated 48,000 spectators, the third biggest induction crowd in the HOF’s 75 years.

“My dad was my everything,” Thomas said. “He pushed me day in and day out to go to practice and do all these things. He was just so proud of me all the time. I was just overcome with emotion. I’m sorry about it. But I’m not sorry about it because it is what I am and I’m proud to be here with these great legends.”

Thomas entered Cooperstown as part of what many consider one of the finest induction classes in HOF history along with ex-Sox manager Tony La Russa, managers Bobby Cox and Joe Torre, former Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux, and longtime Atlanta Braves great Tom Glavine.

Shortly after he began a speech four months in the making, Thomas’ voice cracked as he recognized Frank Thomas Sr., who passed away in 2001.

Thomas said he and his mother discussed the speech on Saturday night and she predicted he’d cry after the first mention of his father. Having practiced numerous times, however, Thomas thought he’d get through it without any tears.

But Thomas said he spotted his mother in the crowd and had to fight off tears as he spoke about how proud his father would be to see him on the stage after all the effort spent encouraging his son to work harder. Thomas noted, “I took that to heart Pops, look at us today.”

“As soon as I stood my knees started knocking and the first person I looked at was my mom,” Thomas said. “It just hit me right in the heart. “It’s rough. Some of the closest people in my life are gone. When you get to that, that’s a lot of emotion. My father meant so much to me and he’s not here.”

Thomas said during his speech he didn’t get to Cooperstown on his own and wanted to thank everyone who helped him, from the 138 or so teammates he mentioned (he said he cut nearly 50 from the original speech) to doctors, trainers, coaches, clubhouse personnel and traveling secretaries.

Thomas also singled out several individuals, including White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, former teammate and manager Ozzie Guillen -- who got him his “only ring” -- and broadcaster Hawk Harrelson, who coined him “The Big Hurt” -- “Your nickname for me really changed my life forever.”

Thomas also spent considerable time thanking his first major league hitting coach Walt Hriniak, noting performance never dictated their effort in the batting cage.

“It didn't matter if we were 10-for-10 or 0-for-10,” Thomas said. “It was the same process every day, no free lesson. Consistency and dedication was what made you tick, and I'm so grateful for your tutelage.”

Near the end of his speech, Thomas -- who has long had one of the loudest voices in objection to use of performance-enhancing drugs -- sent a message to young players, encouraging them to avoid short cuts. Thomas said he stopped short of making a political message about PED usage because he didn’t want to ruin the celebratory nature of induction weekend.

“I just didn’t think that stuff was necessary,” Thomas said. “We all know what has happened over the last 15 years in baseball. Today was a bright stage among heroes.

“I’m in the Hall of Fame, man. It gets no better than that.”

Frank Thomas appreciated the Chicago fans at HOF weekend

By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - Part of the Hall of Fame experience Frank Thomas has enjoyed most was the sea of No. 35 White Sox jerseys in town to celebrate his induction.

The White Sox slugger hasn’t been shy about how stressful this week has been with tons of family and friends in town as well as all of his obligations, including reading his 17-plus-minute speech during Sunday’s induction ceremonies for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. But Thomas said seeing White Sox fans around town excited him — and that was long before he and his fellow inductees from the 2014 class ever set foot on the stage in front of an estimated 48,000 spectators. Sunday’s estimated crowd is the third-largest in 75 years since the Hall of Fame began induction events.

While Atlanta Braves supporters may have outnumbered them, White Sox fans showed up in throngs in upstate New York this weekend to support the man they lovingly called “The Big Hurt.”

Matt Shifrin said he and his father Mitch knew they’d make the trek to Cooperstown from Columbus, Ohio “as soon as (Thomas) got voted in” back in January. The family lived in Oak Park in the 1990s and Thomas was Matt’s hero. Mitch Shifrin said he paid extra for the two to join a Hall of Fame tour trip, which included seats nearer to the stage. Though it was costly, Shifrin said it was an easy choice to make.

“It’s a rationalization,” Mitch Shifrin said. “If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my son’s childhood hero, the hell with it.”

Jon Regashus and his family decided that since they were already in the area on vacation — they were in Toronto and Niagara Falls, N.Y. last week — they’d make their way over to Cooperstown. Regashus, his wife Kim and the couple’s three sons, Jack, 10, Luke, 5, and Sam, 2, arrived on Saturday and immediately headed to Main Street.

The couple last visited Cooperstown for a wedding in Sept. 2001 and said the contrast in the size of the crowd for Hall of Fame weekend and a non-event weekend is spectacular.

“We’re just kind of walking around and seeing some of the sights and memorabilia and it’s fantastic,” Regashus said. “The last time here was few years back for a wedding. … The difference with this weekend with the massive crowds, it’s really neat. We felt like we were the only people in town (then).”

With their son and his family in town from Henderson, Nev., Chicago’s Ted and Joyce Callis decided to make a last-minute trip. The couple left U.S. Cellular Field at 8 p.m. on Friday night and drove to town to surprise their son, Jim, and his family.

As of noon Saturday, the husband and wife had already set up chairs in the public viewing area nearest to the stage.

“Big Frank Thomas fan, my favorite ballplayer,” Ted Callis said. “I’m so happy for him. My son’s (favorite), too. We went to all kinds of Sox games. “I just called (my son), ‘What’s the deal? Are you in Cooperstown?’ So we’re going to surprise them.”

Thomas admits he was caught off-guard and pumped up when he saw all the support.

“I saw all the jerseys downtown and the Chicago people,” Thomas said. “It feels great.”

White Sox rally late but comes up short against Twins

By Nate Gotlieb / CSN Chicago

Minneapolis — Ronald Belisario gave up three runs in the seventh inning, and the White Sox failed to capitalize on back-to-back singles to start the final frame as they lost 4-3 to the Twins on Sunday at Target Field.

Sam Fuld hit a two-run single with two outs in the seventh for the Twins (47-57), who prevented the White Sox from clinching their first-ever four-game sweep in Minnesota. Gordon Beckham flew out with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, ending the comeback attempt for the Sox.

White Sox rookie Scott Carroll allowed one run in six innings for Chicago (51-55) but left the game after 78 pitches because a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.

“It was fine up until that last inning,” he said. “Obviously I wanted to go deeper into the game. My pitch count was low enough. I was feeling good. Unfortunately [it] just fired up, and I wasn’t able to fully finish pitches like I wanted to.”

Belisario replaced him in the seventh and while facing his first batter, umpire Jeff Kellogg stopped the game and asked him to remove a bracelet and wipe rosin off his sleeve. Belisario then walked Willingham, allowed Chris Parmelee to single and walked Eric Fryer before Javy Guerra replaced him and allowed a sacrifice fly and the game-winning single.

Belisario appeared frustrated when asked about the incident after the game.

Chicago’s hitters went 0-for-8 with five strikeouts their first time through the order Sunday, after batting 42-for-121 in the first three games of the series. Twins starter Yohan Pino held Chicago hitless through the first 4.2 innings, allowing just a walk.

Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the third on a Danny Santana RBI triple. Chicago scored twice in the sixth, thanks in large part to a hustle play from Adam Eaton. Gordon Beckham led off the inning with a double and catcher Adrian Nieto moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt. With the infield in, Eaton hit a sharp grounder to Parmelee and beat him to the bag, which set up Alexei Ramirez’s sacrifice fly.

Eaton scored on a double from Jose Abreu, who extended his hitting streak to 17 games in the process.

Rookie catcher Adrian Nieto cut Minnesota's lead to one with his first-career home run in the eighth inning. Abreu and Paul Konerko led off the ninth inning with singles off All-Star closer Glen Perkins before a Dayan Viciedo strike out.

Alejandro De Aza struck out after a Conor Gillaspie walk loaded the bases, and Beckham flew out to end the game, after a couple sharp foul balls.

“They were fighting and clawing all day,” manager Robin Ventura said of his team. “[Beckham] had a couple shots. He was pretty close at dropping something in...We just weren’t able to get the big hit.”

Reinsdorf: ‘Will and determination’ made Thomas great

Staff / CSN Chicago

Frank Thomas mentioned 138 teammates during his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

But one individual that Thomas singled out was White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

“Jerry, thanks for a long and wonderful ride in that Chicago White Sox uniform,” Thomas said during his speech. “You did a lot for me and you still mean a lot to me. Thank you, my friend.”

During his time as owner of both the White Sox and Bulls, Reinsdorf has been around plenty of great players.

In Reinsdorf's mind, Thomas is the greatest White Sox of all-time.

"The difference is mental between the very good players and the great players," Reinsdorf told CSN's Chuck Garfien in a one-on-one interview. "Frank just worked and worked at his craft. That will and that determination made him probably the greatest White Sox player of all-time."

White Sox clubhouse upbeat despite longshot playoff odds

By Nate Gotlieb / CSN Chicago

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — There was no music playing in the clubhouse after the White Sox 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday at Target Field. But despite the defeat and the Chicago's long odds of making the playoffs, the players appear to be staying positive.

The White Sox had won three-consecutive games, doing so with strong hitting and efficient outings from their starting pitchers. As of Sunday, Chicago was eight games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and five behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the race for the final AL wild-card spot.

They have remained in the hunt despite injuries to top relievers Nate Jones and Matt Lindstrom and outfielder Avisail Garcia.

“It’s tough right now,” manager Robin Ventura said after Sunday’s game. “You got [Zach Putnam] on the DL [and] Avi’s not here…I think guys are playing hard and they’re scratching and clawing, but wherever it ends up, it ends up. We’re just focused on that day and not looking too far ahead, which, you know, I appreciate.”

The day-to-day approach suits a team dealing with constant trade rumors. But even with the distractions, catcher Adrian Nieto said the atmosphere in the dugout at Target field was "amazing."

“Guys were upbeat, just cheering the whole time, getting each other up,” he said. “Hopefully we can continue that, cause that’s something that’ll make a big difference going forward.”

Nieto had reason to upbeat, after hitting his first-career home run in the eighth inning.

The 24-year-old said he was just hoping that Twins outfielder Sam Fuld wouldn’t catch it, but then he “saw him just look up into the stands, and I see people I guess fighting for the ball trying to get over for it, and I said ‘alright there it is, my first one.’ You know, that was cool.”

Nieto guided starting pitcher Scott Carroll to a one-run, four-hit performance over six innings, before Carroll left with a blister.

Carroll, another rookie, was coming off an 11-hit, five run outing this past week against the Kansas City Royals. He appeared pleased with his performance.

“I wasn’t trying to be too perfect,” he said. “I didn’t have my best stuff, but when I execute and not try and be too fine, I think that’s when my stuff really plays well.”

Chicago has a chance to make a move in the division this week, with a three-game series starting Tuesday, a stretch Ventura said always serves as a measuring stick. After that, the White Sox will host the Twins.

“They were fighting and clawing all day,” Ventura said. “We just weren’t able to get the big hit.”