With the outcome no longer in question, Boston manager Tony Francona summoned utility infielder Nick Green to pitch against the White Sox in the eighth inning Thursday night. Obviously, this was the first time the Sox had ever faced Green -- and as you might expect -- he fired two shutout innings.
Quite a few fans on White Sox Interactive were outraged that the Sox failed to score runs against a position player, but I was more amused than anything else. After all, the Sox won 9-5 and victories have been scarce this week.
We were wondering in the newsroom tonight, who was the last position player to pitch in a game for the White Sox? The answer is Dave Martinez. Martinez, a former outfielder, worked a scoreless, hitless inning (with two walks) on Aug. 4, 1995, in a 13-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. You may recall that the 1995 Indians went 100-44 and won the American League pennant, so even good teams fail to score sometimes when hitting against position players.
For the record, the last Cubs position player to take the hill was the ancient Gary Gaetti, who gave up two runs on July 3, 1999, in a 21-8 loss to Philadelphia. Gaetti was ancient back then. Imagine how old he is now.
Just remember the reason for not hitting Cy Green is very simple. The Sox didn't have film on him. :)
I'm confident I could toss two shutout innings against the White Sox. I haven't pitched since I was 10. I really doubt they have any film on me.