White Sox GM to poll players about pitcher who left clubhouse
By Associated Press
Published May 31, 2004
CHICAGO - White Sox general manager Kenny Williams will talk with players before determining the future of pitcher Jon Rauch, who left the clubhouse before the end of a game.
The 6-foot-11 Rauch was sent back to Triple-A Charlotte after his dismal performance Saturday - he gave up five runs and 10 hits in 32/3 innings.
Rauch left the clubhouse before the end of the 5-1 loss to Anaheim, drawing criticism from Williams and several White Sox teammates.
After the game Saturday, Williams said through a club spokesman that Rauch might never pitch for the White Sox again.
Rauch offered apologies and called it a miscommunication.
"He left me a message and spoke to Don Cooper and Rick Hahn, saying there was a misunderstanding. I don't know what the misunderstanding can be - it's a long-standing rule that you stick around until the end of the ballgame," Williams said Sunday.
Just called up from Charlotte on Saturday, Rauch gave up six hits in a five-run fourth inning.
Williams went down to the clubhouse in the ninth inning in an attempt to talk to Rauch about his performance, but Rauch had left.
"He severely hampered his chances of ever pitching for the White Sox again," Williams said at the time.
He wasn't completely sure of that Sunday.
"At this time, if anyone has the question of whether I still mean what I said, I think the answer to that is I'm not exactly sure of and won't be sure of until I go out and get the pulse of the guys in the clubhouse, his teammates, (see) how they feel," Williams said.
Rauch is among five pitchers who have combined to go 0-7 as Chicago's No. 5 starter.
To take Rauch's roster spot, the White Sox purchased the contract of infielder Kelly Dransfeldt from Triple-A Charlotte.
