Chicago White Sox Pitching Coach, Don Cooper talks about Bobby Jenks
The Chicago White Sox have one of the strongest squads in the American League Central region. Their bullpen has faced slashes in their roster over the last few months but a strong contingent of players has come to the side to replace the leaving relief pitchers.
The ball club has the potential to rise up to a new level in the coming campaign. The Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers will however go off stiff competition during the season but it is expected that the squad will prevail in their bid for the playoffs
in 2011.
Nevertheless, it is important to look back on some of the players who did a lot for the White Sox. Pitching Coach, Don Cooper made that case for Bobby Jenks. The regular closer was an immense figure in the team. Back in 2009 he impressed the fans and did
wonders with the bullpen to shut out major teams. As a White Sox player, Jenks piled on 173 saves for the team in 6 major years. Cooper was expressive of the fact.
"Bobby Jenks did the Chicago White Sox baseball organization a great service with his time here in Chicago," Don Cooper said. "He was the closer on a World Series team and a two-time All-Star, and in some ways, it's going to be different. But I like to think
the White Sox did right by him. They gave him the opportunity to get his life back in hand, and gave him the stage to pitch and perform the way he did, which was a great service to the team and organization."
Bobby was impressive in the overall years he gave to the White Sox but injuries had marred his performance in 2010. Jenks posted a 4.44 Earning Runs Average and saved only 27 games in 55 match appearances. He wasn’t able to improve his average from the previous
years and move out with 61 strike outs to his name.
"There's no disputing he did awful, awful well for us and saved a lot of ballgames. When I think of Bobby and our years together, I'll laugh and smile. Every once in a while it makes me shake my head. There are many emotions when it comes to him. The overwhelming
one is (six seasons) is a major chunk in baseball together and a good one for us."
Jenks recently joined the Boston Red Sox for a 2-year deal, estimated to be worth $12 million. Don Cooper wishes him luck and hopes he will reflect back on his previous performances with the Chicago White Sox over the coming seasons.
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