Post-2014 plans are off in future, so Ventura concentrates on fixing Sox present

CHICAGO | It’s hard to read Robin Ventura to see if managing is his life’s calling.

White Sox complete sweep of Marlins

CHICAGO | From the infield to the outfield, the White Sox are playing much better defense than they did during their listless start. And it's no coincidence that the wins are coming in bunches now.

Sox hitting still quiet, and now bullpen blows it

CHICAGO | The White Sox have been in the wheels-falling-off-the-wagon stage for nearly two weeks, yet could always take comfort in a still-effective bullpen if they had the lead.

MLB NOTES: Region products try to rev up careers in minors

Jeff Samardzija of Valparaiso, Curtis Granderson of Lynwood and Lloyd McClendon of Chesterton are household names in the majors. John Mallee of Schererville soon will be as Astros hitting coach.

Some employees better suited for workgroups

Samardzija, Cubs win home spring opener

MESA, Ariz. | Valparaiso native Jeff Samardzija made a strong spring debut and the Cubs scored four unearned runs in the first inning against San Francisco Giants ace Matt Cain, then held on for a 4-3 victory Sunday at HoHoKam Stadium.

No looking back to last season for Cubs

MESA, Ariz. | Cubs manager Dale Sveum knows exactly what he'll say about last year's 101-loss season when he meets with his team for the first time this spring.

Meltdown: Ice thaw for slippery sidewalks includes salty consideration

Valparaiso University student Abby Accettura said she plans her winter footwear based on how much "white" she sees on the sidewalk outside her window.

Avoid your Fiscal Cliff

Doing good all year round

While charitable giving increases towards the end of the year as important community needs are showcased, such needs continue all year long.

Rangers add C Pierzynski, say he will be starter

ARLINGTON, Texas | A.J. Pierzynski can joke with Texas manager Ron Washington about last season's All-Star snub now that he's the starting catcher for the Rangers.

Gary man charged with robbing Dollar General store in Hobart

HOBART | A Gary man shoplifted 15 bottles of body wash from a Hobart store, then assaulted a manager, police said.

Dollar Store manager reports robbery, battery by shoplifter

HOBART | A manager at the Dollar General, 7844 E. Ridge Road, was assaulted Saturday after confronting a shoplifter, police said.

OFFBEAT: Readers ask about 'Jeffersons' actor Hemsley's final chapter

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Dan Ward, Manager of DC's Country Junction in Lowell

Dan Ward, manager of DC's Country Junction in Lowell, started with the popular country western music entertainment rural venue in 1981 and still remains center stage.

A.J.’s brawn, brains back Sale’s 14th win

CHICAGO | Like all White Sox pitchers, Chris Sale has a trump card – batterymate A.J. Pierzynski.

JOHN DOHERTY: Making a pitch for sanity

Major League Baseball teams have all reached the 100-game mark. The trading deadline is today. The stretch run is on.

Sox name Robin Ventura to replace Guillen

In his ultimate under-the-radar move, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has named Robin Ventura as the team's next manager.

Porter Fair Manager Kevin Hannon

Kevin Hannon is the new Porter County Fair manager. Hannon replaces Lonnie Steele who was fair manager for 13 years.

052511BOWLFEATURE, Mike Kozy, manager of Olympia Lanes

Mike Kozy, manager of Olympia Lanes and president of the GCABA stands near the trophy case at Plympia Lanes. Kozy was the youngest ever Class A qualifier in Times Classic history, and is this year's oldest qualifier.