White Sox’ Tyler Flowers gives Ozzie Guillen options
BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN dvanschouwen@suntimes.com September 1, 2011 10:34PM
Tyler Flowers (left, huddling with Mark Buehrle) has done a bang-up job. | Charles Rex Arbogast~AP
Updated: September 10, 2012 4:42PM
DETROIT — Tyler Flowers’ strong showing as catcher A.J. Pierzynski’s replacement is making manager Ozzie Guillen’s decision on whom to catch with Pierzynski expected to come off the disabled list Friday a difficult one.
Here’s a possible solution: Guillen could use the left-handed hitting Pierzynski (.296, 39 RBI) at designated hitter, rest right-handed hitting center fielder Alex Rios and start left-handed hitting Alejandro De Aza in center field. That works if Paul Konerko (calf) can return to first base after being the DH on Wednesday.
Guillen praised Flowers’ play, following several pitchers who spoke highly of his receiving skills. On Thursday, pitching coach Don Cooper took his turn on his weekly radio show.
“[Pitchers] love the way he sets up, down and low,’’ Cooper said. “The biggest thing for me is how low he gets. How he gets low to both sides of the plate, how he moves inside when we want pitches inside. We try to train the pitchers to hit the glove. When the glove is low, when it gets in, that’s something we’re going to be demanding from A.J. We need that from A.J. Tyler has done a fantastic job.’’
Cooper also said that Jake Peavy, who is dealing with arm fatigue issues, is tentatively slated to take his next turn on Tuesday in Minnesota. It’s possible, however, that the Sox decide to rest Peavy for an extended period.
“The biggest thing we can’t let happen is for him to get injured [again] before the season is over,’’ Cooper said.
