I had trouble coming up with a post for today while waiting to see if any Mariners are moving at the trade deadline, so I thought I’d post some of the things I like about Seattle’s current opponent as well as some of the things those White Sox do to annoy me.  A partial list.  I’d like to see you to add to it in the comments.

Things I like about the Chicago White Sox:

Alexei Ramirez’s defense – Ramirez has the 4th best UZR in baseball this season– the best among infielders– and Mariner fans have seen why in the last two series against the ChiSox.  Ramirez is showing off some ridiculous range this season.  But while I’m a sucker for pretty much any defensive stud, Ramirez is odd, because 1.) I never really considered him much of a defender, and 2.) even when he’s making fantastic plays up the middle or in the hole, he still doesn’t move like a great fielding shortstop in my mind.  He doesn’t glide– not in my opinion, anyway– which makes him intriguing.  I love great defenders like Jack Wilson, but Ramirez is a different kind of animal in my mind, and because of that I want to watch him field the baseball. 

Alexei Ramirez’s frame – One of the things that people love about baseball is that people of any size can play the game at the highest level.  We have the dwarfish Dustin Pedroia, the tubby Jack Cust, and everything in between.  Ramirez’s twig frame is as distinguishing as any body type in baseball, and that he can use his skinny length to drive the baseball better than most shortstops is quite fun to watch.  I wonder if he wears the smallest jersey in baseball.

Andruw Jones being somewhat useful again – Andruw with a “u” was one of the best and most exciting players in baseball for quite a while.  Hall of Fame consideration is warranted once he retires.  The 1996 World Series isn’t the first that I can remember, but it is the first in which I remember vividly, and “19″ year old Andruw’s breakout performance is one of the leading reasons why.  Jones isn’t having a great year, but I’m happy to see him rebounding from the LA Dodgers a couple years ago and, even if he’s not close to what he once was out there, gliding around the outfield without giggling.

Omar Vizquel’s soft hands – I wasn’t yet a Mariners fan when Little O was keeping the Kingdome infield squeaky clean, but I’ve enjoyed tracking his career just the same.  As mentioned here and many times previously, I’ve always been a sucker for slick fielders, especially shortstops, and Omar is right up there among the best.  That he is still smooth as ever in his age 43 season is just awesome, and he could be starting at shortstop for some teams still.  Don’t retire, Omar!

Mark Buehrle’s pace – A lot of die hard baseball fans can admit that baseball is a boring game.  Some times more than others, of course.  When Diasuke Matsuzaka or Miguel Batista are on the hill I might even question my love for the game.  But pitchers that work fast like Buehrle allow me to be swept into the game even if there isn’t much action, and so I’m thankful for that.

Things I don’t like about the Chicago White Sox:

Alexei Ramirez’s fist pumping after making awesome defensive plays – I have no problem with players showing excitement on the field.  They’re playing a game and it should be fun, after all.  But emphatic fist pumps have a way of pissing me off.  I can’t recall if it was Joba Chamerberlain that ruined first pumps for me or if I disliked them before that.  Anyways, Alexei, do what you gotta do– yell, scream, smile, laugh– but save the fist pumping for the World Series victories.

Bobby Jenks’ facial hair – I think he bleaches it.

Juan Pierre wearing a hat under his helmet – We used to wear hats under our helmets in Little League when we couldn’t find a helmet that fit right.  Juan Pierre has made over $40M in his career as a baseball player.  Even if the team doesn’t want to provide him with a helmet that fits his tiny head, you’d think he could custom order one or something.

A.J. Pierzynski – I’m not sure what it is about him, but I don’t like him, and I’m not alone.  What is it that is so darn hateable?

U.S. Cellular Field – We’ve had Safeco Field for well over a decade now so I suppose that is the reason I now hate all hitter’s parks.  Get a big boy stadium.