With the White Sox on pace to suffer their first 100-loss season since 1970, grumbling has begun about manager Robin Ventura. But General Manager Rick Hahn said Ventura is not to blame. "The effort hasn't changed. The level of communication and energy hasn't changed," Hahn said on the team's flagship radio station. "At this time, we don't feel changes are merited in the near future."
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The deadline-day trade for Astros outfielder Justin Maxwell could pay off in several ways for Kansas City. He could give left fielder Alex Gordon, who has missed only four games, an occasional day off. He's good insurance behind center fielder Lorenzo Cain, who has a history of injuries. And he could form an effective platoon with right fielder David Lough, a lefthanded hitter.
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Acquiring Jose Iglesias at the deadline marks a philosophical change for Detroit, which has tried to get by with below-average infield defense for several years. Iglesias, scouts say, is a future Gold Glove defender, which would be unusual in Detroit: The last Gold Glove winner at short was Alan Trammel in 1984, and only one other Tiger, Ed Brinkman in 1972, ever won the honor.
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Cleveland equaled its 2012 Progressive Field victory total on Thursday, winning their 11th consecutive home game to improve to 37-19. Last year, the Indians were 37-44 at home.
