Hammer-time!

Clare’s walkup music in college was MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” at least those lyrics including the prediction of “Hammer’time!” The White Sox did that six times last night at Guaranteed Rate Whatever against the Twins on their way to a 13-3 victory. I’ve always believed that injuries provide opportunities and that rookies who can step up in those situations bring an extra charge of energy with them. Consider Gavin Sheets, now 4-for-8 with a double and homeruns to go with four RBIs in the two games he’s played since being called up to replace the injured Jake Lamb. Also consider that, in the two games Sheets has played in, fellow rookie Andrew Vaughn has gone 4-for-6 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored. Energy. And a nice collective statement by the Sox against Twins’ third baseman Josh Donaldson, who’s put Lucas Giolito on the naughty list of pitchers using foreign substances to doctor the ball. For some reason, Donaldson included ex-Sox manager-turned-analyst Ozzie Guillen in his rants. Never a good idea because Ozzie is never at a loss for words, even when speaking in his second language. So, I’m gloating right now, more so with the Cubs blowing a 7-0 first-inning lead to lose going away by a score of 15-7. Cubs’ starter Jake Arrieta couldn’t hold the lead and now has himself a 5.57 ERA on the season. Who says bad things don’t happen to the right people? My only complaint is that Arrieta is doing a too-perfect imitation of ex-Sox starter James Shields. The terrible outings are bad enough, but getting teammates injured should qualify a player for immediate release. Charlie Tilson was never the same after getting injured trying to flag down all those Shields’ pitches that ended in the gap. Now, Arrieta hangs first baseman Patrick Wisdom out to dry with a terrible throw that led to a collision between Wisdom and Brewers’ baserunner Tyrone Taylor. If you can’t pitch and you can’t field, why play? Maybe Arrieta should retire and consider a run for the presidency or offer his services to the Centers for Disease Control. No, on second thought he should keep doing just what he’s doing. I’m enjoying it plenty.