Magic number still 5
Everything always goes wrong in the Metrodome for the White Sox. I do not understand why, but we always seem to get hosed in this building. A bad call early on where Mark Buehrle had Carlos Gomez picked off at second base was called safe and later scored on the soft grounder by Joe Mauer. If that call was made the right way the score would have still been 2 to 1. Next inning Griffey hits the home run and we would be tied. It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth when a umpire blows an obvious call when so much is on the line and I am sure there will be an apology from the umpires, because everyone with a good eye could clearly see that Gomez was out.
Regardless of the call the Sox lost 3 to 2 and we are only a half game up on the Twins, or if you just want to say we have one less loss than the Twins, if that sounds better. The pressure now falls on Gavin Floyd as the game three starter later today. We know this guy is tough when he won in New York Stadium and now he must do it again in the one place where the Twins have just owned us in every category.
Floyd can pitch his heart out and we will still lose if we can not get more consistent offense. Home runs are nice, when we have runners on, and when we have a man on with less than 1 out you got to get that guy in because you know 90 percent of the time when it happens to us they score. The fundamentals have got to be perfect in this next game if the Sox want to leave today still in first place.
The key to this next game will be if the Sox can possibly get an early lead and let Floyd pitch ahead and put some pressure on the Twins. The first two games we have fallen behind each game and have not jumped back ahead and an early manufactured run or home run can provide that help Floyd can use. It is amazing that our first place lead now lays on the shoulders of one of the most inexperienced pitcher’s on our staff. However, Floyd has proven before that experience means nothing to him as he leads the Sox in wins on the pitching staff.
The 2008 White Sox can either win this game and come home with a chance to clinch at home or they can lose and become scoreboard watchers and fans of the Kansas City Royals. The choice is easy just win and everything else will be much easier, but as we have seen this year, nothing has been apparently easy for these White Sox. I still believe we can do this and every Sox fan out there should not give up yet, as these guys have bounced back from bad losses. This team has not been swept since the Chicago Cubs did it back in June.
Seventeen to Go
First place in the American League Central has been more like a game of hot potato. As soon as someone has a hold of that lead it starts getting too hot to hold, and each team has flip flopped more than a politician. The best team will win I am assured of that and it will most likely come down to the match up in Minnesota in about a week away.
Before that thou, the White Sox need to take care of these last four games at home before going off to New York City. If they take take just one game at a time and not think too much then they should be alright.
Injuries have been hitting the White Sox but the team has responded well with different people contributing to the success of the team. That is what you have to do if you want to play in the post-season. Just get in and anything can happen.
We are not sure if Paul Konerko or Carlos Quentin will be as affective if they return so we got to work with what we have. The fill in players have played good enough so I hope Ozzie does not put in people that are not 100 percent. Knowing him he does not seem to care who plays as long as we win.
The bullpen will be the most important going through these last seventeen games. I am confident in Bobby Jenks but everyone else between the starters and closer has been an issue. It’s time for each reliever to just keep battling as they have been doing throughout the year.
Executing down the stretch with small ball will have to be better down the stretch. We have struggled mightily getting runner over or just having productive outs when we begin threatening to score. If the home run is not there we have got to find other ways to win. If we cannot manufacture runs in close games then it will be difficult.
With all of these question marks I still like our chances because Minnesota has not been playing well, with the exception of playing the Royals. I still would like the Sox to get an extra game or two lead before going to the Metrodome. The Sox will be up for a tremendous challenge if we are only leading the division by one game. You lose that series and you are out of first place and relying on other teams to do your dirty work with only three games left.
The key is to get this job done before going to MInnesota. We are seeing teams now getting hot and pushing win streaks to 10 plus games just like the Blue Jays and Astros. Who said the White Sox cannot either and do the same. All of these teams the Sox are playing now and about to play up to Minnesota are either out of the playoff picture or not in it at all so we have got to not let these guys spoil our party here in Chicago.
Sox vs Sox
Today we are healing from a 12 to 3 pouncing by the Baltimore Orioles. I believe that is what you need before heading to Fenway and facing the Red Sox. Since the Manny trade the Red Sox have been playing well and are still holding onto the AL Wild Card. The White Sox are going to be tested again as Boston looks good enough to still get into the playoffs so I would like to see the Sox and not the red ones to play well in this sereis.
The pressure in the first game will fall in the hands of Javier Vasquez who has been pitching great lately. We need another strong performance in the first game to rest some of those overworked bullpen workers. This start could dictate this series as if Javier pitches deep into the game the White Sox will have a great opportunity to take this series but if he fails and falls short we could have a repeat of the Tampa Bay series where our relievers could not finish the deal after leading in the two games we lost in that series.
Josh Beckett looks to make the start on Friday but he too is a little banged up and missed his last scheduled start. If the White Sox can get to Beckett early and make him feel uncomfortable the White Sox can take game one with ease. Of course it always comes down to pitching, the better pitching in this series will determine the winners and losers.
My pick to click in this series will be Ken Griffey Jr. I forsee him having a huge series even thou he has played a more conservative role in a Sox uniform. Anyone who can blast a ball into that big right field at Fenway Park can help you win some games and I see Griffey coming up in a big way in this series. Both he and Jim Thome the biggest lefties the Sox have have been hitting the ball better as of late. Even Paulie who has been a Red Sox killer in the past hit well in the last series.
Who knows this match up could be another preview to the playoffs and for the White Sox they must keep ahead of Minnesota while they too start another road series. The Red Sox are as well trying to catch the Rays who are not slowing up, so another big weekend series in baseball will be at Fenway Park. All Sox fans white and red will be glued to screen this weekend.
Carlos Quentin for MVP
His name is not Josh Hamilton, Big Pappi or Derek Jeter. His name is Carlos Quentin and he may not be the most recognized new talent in the majors but he is darn good. This darn good player leads all of the American League in homeruns and is in the top third in runs batted in.
No one is writing about him mostly because he is hidden by some of the more popular and more name recognized players on the White Sox. Quentin also has the most go ahead runs of any player on the White Sox or from any team. Carlos is here and he is a top candidate for MVP.
If Quentin was not on this team or hurt I am sure this Sox team be a lot worse off. Quentin has been so consistent when players like Konerko, Thome and Dye all had inconsitencies. Yes sure his defense is not gold glove caliber yet but honestly he has had only a few brain cramps out there. Most of that was just plain inexpereince and lack of playing considering he did not play at all for the Diamondback all of last year.
It will be difficult to determine an MVP in the Amereican League with such a great story in Texas right now. If you do not know what I am talking about then what planet are you from? Although the Rangers are currently a dozen games out of first place.
With David Ortiz struggling to capture his swing because of a beat up wrist, Jeter and Rodriguez having sub par years and the no name Rays with really no real superstar why not Carlos Quentin. If the Sox win the central I know for sure the White Sox will be picking Quentin as their own MVP no matter who gets the award.
With one Swish of the bat.
Nick Swisher was the hero last night as the White Sox defeated the Tigers in a 10 to 8 thriller. It was not easy as the Sox welcomed Ken Griffey Jr to his first home game at US Cellular field. The night started off bad as the Sox gave up 6 runs in the first five innings and a 6 to 1 deficit.
The Sox bullpen then took over and the Sox began chipping away and eventually by the 8th inning we were only down one to the Tigers. Alexi Ramirez came up big in the 8th as he hit his 10th homerun and tied the game. No one scored in the ninth and that same result would occur until the thirteenth. Matt Thorton by far pitched his best game in a while striking our 4 including the whole side in the 11th. After being near hitless for three innings Thorton did give up a two run homerun to Polanco with two outs in the top of the thirteenth.
With Zumaya coming into the game as the closer Detroit looked to be closing this one out but right off the bat Orlando Cabrera hit a single on the first pitch of the bottom of the thirteenth. AJ followed with a pop out then Quentin sent a single to right field sending O.C. to third with less than two outs. Dye would then ground to short but the sure hands of Edgar Renteria could not get a hold on the ball and everyone was safe again with now a 7 to 6 lead for Detroit. Thome followed up with a strike out by Zumaya and the Sox were down to their last bullet. Then the unlikely hero Nick Swisher with two outs struck a 0 & 2 pitch to the right center field seats ending a classic game that should have some lasting affects on the rest of this season. Detroit could be folding out with another loss today so let’s make them pay for letting one get away.
Oh, and thank you Seattle for making a comeback of your own against the Twins putting the Sox back into first place.
“Leave the baggage behind”
Who would a thought the White Sox would drop 3 out of four in Minnesota and 2 of three in Kansas City. They also find themselves in second place for the first time since May. It is a good thing the Sox have a must needed day off after all of that ugliness we saw on that last road trip. Ken Griffey Jr did provide an immediate impact but even he was not able to overcome the lack luster pitching we have seen from the Sox lately. Well actulally their pitching was not as horrible as the defense playing behind them as many errors were comiited on this road trip that did not help us either.
It really can not get much worse after this, or can it? I say this right now The White Sox will either break out of all of the bad habits that have been plaguing the SOx lately or this latest trend will cause the sinking of this team. I really hope I am wrong and the Sox make some new noise coming in this next home stand. Griffey will bring a spark at the stadium that should help provide some extra blood flow from the fans and players as we begin our next series against Detroit. Another thing Gavin Floyd who was one of our lone stars on this last road trip will be starting off the home stand on Tuesday. This first game is a good way to set the tone for these next 10 home games. The Sox do have a strong record at home and we will have to be nearly perfect at home as the Twins have been a hot team and are currently not appearing to slow down with the addition of Liriano to their rotation. In addition if you do not win two or three games against Detroit you are welcoming them right back into the race. This is a good shot for the Sox to bury the Tigers before they feel as thou they too are on a roll making this race a three team race as opposed to just two.
I am not loosing hope on this team and all of the Sox faithful should not either. We still can win this thing it just has to start now. We also are 2 games behind in the Wild Card so we cannot afford a bad August to put us further behind that as well. It all has to turn around now as the team has got to leave all of that hot anger and frustration from Kansas City at the door when we start this homestand. This homestand will make or break this 2008 White Sos team I guarantee it. Lets Get Going Right Now!
Sox need a big win in Minnesota
If the White Sox can rely on Gavin Floyd to pull off at least one win in Minnesota the Sox should hold their first place lead. Will it happen I beleive so, I know this Minnesota team plays the Sox so well because they match up against us better than any other team out there but in the long run I still will place my money on the Sox to win the central.
I have been viewing both teams schedules and both are very comparable to winable games against struggling teams this year. The month of August is a few days away and the Sox just look to be the more relaxed team. Are they too relaxed? That might be the difference between us and the Twins. The Twins had to win at least two games and they did that and now it is up too the Sox to show who is the real first place team.
I just do not see Minnesota hanging around all this time as the playoff race heats up. They have some veteran presence in the right positions but they only have one starting pitcher with a veteran presence. I really think this race will come down to veteran leadership and i still think on that note the Sox have the upper hand in that department.
Even thou the Sox are using two starting pitchers who are in their first full season I still believe the overall team has what it takes to win the Central. The guys in this lineup are overall better than what the Twins put out on the field and that should hold as the determining factor in who ends up as the division champion.
It comes down to simple execution and as long as the Sox keep their cool and just keep competing the end result will come up in our favor. There is too much talent on this team not to win a majority of their remaining games. The Sox still hold a better record against the division and in the end that will balance out and give the White Sox faithful what they deserve.
My last point here is we should not worry about Minnesota they might look good now but do they have it in the tank for another two months. Just like Tampa Bay they might hang around for the ride but in the end the better teams do find ways to win and that is what I am expecting out of the rest of the season for the White Sox. In my mind Detroit is a bigger threat to the White Sox because they do have more talent and experience to make a run at the Sox compared to the Twins.
White Sox look to sluggers for 2nd Half
If I have the number 14 or 25 for the White Sox you better believe you guys are under the microscope right now. Both of these guys had sub par first halves and if the Sox want a return to the post season these guys have got to heat up. The added pieces that Kenny Williams brought in over the season have helped dramatically and without those pieces we may not be sitting in first place.
Pitching has been a turn around this year so far, but I am sure we will have a few bad outings. So that makes it more important that the offense start getting runs, especially in the middle of the order. I can not even recall the last time Jim Thome and Paul Konerko even had mult-homerun games or multi-RBI games for the that matter. These guys are built for power and people are getting on base but they are not getting it done for the most part. I see flashes of good hitting form both but not what you expect out of your biggest threats.
Since Paul Konerko came back to the lineup it just seems as thou the team is in a rut offensively. I know Paul is a good hitter and have been a fan of him since he came up and he helped led this team to a world series but is the team better with him in the lineup on a consistent basis or is it better with less Paul?
Think about it, before Konerko came back this team was on a roll offensively. Since then it just seems the team relies on big home runs. Mostly because Konerko is as slow as molassis on the base paths, not to say Thome is a sprinter himself. It just seems these two guys may be slowing up the offensive attack that is all I am saying. It may just seem that way because they are stuggling.
Another guy I would like to see step up is Orando Cabrerra. Although it might not be in his nature to be a team guy according to the clubhouse reports he needs to if he wants any further employment in the majors. The Sox gave up a fan favorite in Jon Garland for him and Cabrerea was a over .300 hitter all of his career and right now he is hovering around .250. Those numbers almost suggest that he is looking for more home runs and less on base percentage and line drives in the gaps. For a lead off guy that is not good enough, I know he has filled in nicley at short and that has been his biggest contribution but this guy can hit too and it is a little frustrating not to see that as well.
In summary what can you say, the Sox may seem like their hand cuffed by a few guys that of course have done their part in the past but what have you done lately. We have a good shot at the playoffs and I would hate to see this team go up in flames because of holding on to a few old timers that may be passed their prime. No offense I love these guys and only want the best for them but let’s get it going.
Ist Half grades for White Sox
I am ready to report my report card for the first half of the 2008 season. I have highlighted the best and worse of the 2008 White Sox. I will start off with the players deserving the highest praise.
Carlos Quentin (A+) If there was a first half MVP of the White Sox it has got to go to Carlos Quentin. Kenny Williams definitely found a diamond in the rough as Quentin has kept this team together with his bat and reliable defense. At times Quentin came out of no where and helped lead this team offensively when players like Paul Konerko and Jim Thome has rough first halves of the season.
Jermaine Dye (A) When Paul Konerko went down in mid June Jermain Dye certainly came up with MVP like numbers. Dye once again is at the tops in the American League in homeruns and RBI’s despite not getting an invite to the All-star game . His bat and glove have won and saved about a dozen games this year.
A.J. Pierzynski (A) The man that everyone in the league hates is still showing the White Sox why they continue to love him. Batting over .300 and at times batting second in the lineup AJ helped the offense solidify itself. He has come big when needed with the big hit and has done a even better job on defense where he is helping and contributing to one of the best pitching staffs in the American League. It was another shame that AJ did not get voted an all-star but thats’ alright AJ usually gets the last laugh in the end.
Joe Crede (A-) Before this season began some thought Joe Crede would not be the same after his back surgery and it was time to give Josh Fields the rings at third base full-time. Well once again Crede proved everyone wrong and actually batted a lot better than most expected. He gets an A becasue he was not even expected to be as good as he was but he gets the minus for the un Crede like errors at third base. Although Joe did have some nice grabs down at third.
Alexi Ramirez (A-) When we first saw the opening day line up for the Sox we saw an unfamiliar face in center field. His name was Alexi Ramirez and now Sox players and announcers refer him to as the Cuban Missile. Ramirez has been great filling in at second, short stop, and center when needed. As well he has been a spark on offense that many did not expect right off in the beginning. Hitting .300 and being a reliable fielder Ramirez is making a case for early ballots for rookie of the year.
Nick Swisher (B+) If Nick Swisher was more a bad guy he might of got a C on this list based on his numbers in the first half. However Swisher has helped lesson the stress in the clubhouse and has been a reliable player so far after Kenny Williams got him via trade in the offseason. I do expect better numbers in the second half.
Orlando Cabrerra (B) Cabrera has been a little bit of a distraction in the club house with his sometimes selfish antics. However he has had a pretty reliable bat after a terrible April and is showing the Sox why this guy is a constant .300 hitter with high on base percentage. He has also played a very strong short stop making the infield better since his arrival.
Paul Konerko (D-) The captain and veteran of the Sox better get it going if he wishes to keep his everyday spot at first base. Paul has been hurt and that is why he did not get a ‘F” but he is one that must turn around in the second half if the Sox want to get into the post-season. His defense has been really bad lately and his bat has been ice cold and has yet to thaw out, However if his baseball card is right he should have a better second half.
Jim Thome (C-) Another player needing a better second half is the Mr Incredible himself Jim Thome. Thome has played better of late but is not showing us yet that he can carry this time at moments in the season. I believe Ozzie did not use Thome as much in the inter-league match ups because Ozzie knows he needs a healthy Jim Thome if the Sox want to make noise in August and September.
Juan Uribe (D-) The only good Uribe has done is filling in at second for awhile but he has done nothing at bat this year. The Sox patience may be wearing thin with Juan as Alexi Ramirez has given Kenny Williams a reason not to keep Uribe.
Brian Anderson (B) Brian has adjusted very well being a fill in center field player. Coming off the bench and not starting on a regular basis can sometime destroy a young player’s confidence. Brian has excepted his role and Ozzie should be plenty proud of Anderson. Brian has been big at bat in big moments and continues to show his best side which is his defense.
Pablo Ozuna (C) It was unfortanant Pablo has not been contibuting becaseu of injury but this guy will be remebered as one of the players that helped the 2005 White Sox win the world series.
Toby Hall (B-) Hey being a back up catcher is not easy but Hall has done well since taking over this role. His arm has slowed down the opposition at times and his bat is all but extra with what he brings to the field every day.
Darren Wise(C+) Wise has been a another pleasant surprise helping off the bench with his speed mostly on the base paths and in the alleyways of the outfield.. If we can get him on base more he could be a better threat as a base stealer but he is young and his bat has not yet arrived.
Jose Contreras (B-) After a bad last season Jose has bounced back and has become a rilabl e starter again. Although he lives and dies with that forkball and if he is on with that pitch he is nearly unhittable. However Jose still shows inconsistencies and he is a better second half pitcher.
Mark Buerlie (B) The so called ace of the Whitie Sox got beat up early in the year and at one time had the worst record of any Sox pitcher. However mark pulled off a strong second half of the first half and is now back on track. He is a starter that helps teams win when they need it the most and if Buelrie continues his success the Sox will continue to win consistently.
John Danks (B+) Danks has been the best and most consitent starter of any Sox pitcher but his stats do not quite show that becaseu his team for some reason always seem to not get run support for John. I expect more to come for John and am excited to watch his development as a quality starting pitcher.
Gavin Floyd (B+) Just as reliable as Danks, Gavin has been a great addition to the starting rotation. He has shown he can strike batters out and currently has the best record for the Sox starters.
Javier Vasquez (C+) Vasquez the silent assasin has been just silent. He has stuggled his last few starts after a promising start. I do not understand why that this guy should not be a twenty game winner with all of his pitching arsenal. The Sox need Javier to have a huge second half.
Nick Masset (B) The fill in starter and long relief man for the Sox has done pretty well since giving that spot in the bullpen. Nick has good stuff and maybe a potential starter down the road once the stretch begins for the playoff push. I expect Ozzie and Coop to use him more down the road as long as he stays consistent.
Scott Linebrink (A-) Since brought over from the Giants Scott Linebrink has been a good set up man for Bobby Jenks. I just hope it continues as the bullpen has bounced back after a terrible season last year.
Octavial Dotel (B-) Dotel has given the Sox another bridge to use to get to Bobby and he has responded well. I gave him a B- because he gave up some big runs during the Sox vs Cubs series.
Matt Thorton (A-) After a terrible last season Matt has returned as a dominant strike out reliever. He is a lefty specialist that gives Coop and OZ quality innings with less stress compared t
o last year.
Boone Logan (B) Once again another bounce back player from a year ago and he needs another strong second half if he wants to collect some money. Just like Matt, Boone is a rare necessity that all of major league baseball needs a quality left hander out of the bullpen.
Matt Wasserman/ Adam Russel (B) Both fill in guys for the minors have done a pretty good job when called upon. Russel has been named the vulture for his late inning heroics lately after holding the opposition and allowing the offense to score.
Bobby Jenks (A) One of the most reliable closers in the majors just does his job when called upon. He had a few bad games but no closer is perfect 100 percent the time. The Sox just need this guy healthy and he should bounce back from his latest injury.
Overall Sox Grade (B+) I am pleased with the White Sox first place position but since 2005 I am not willing to give this team an A yet. I want to see a return to the playoffs and then they will get the A they deserve.
Let’s make a Deal or Not
We are already half way through the baseball season and trades are always a topic of discussion. Two teams have already made big moves for ace pitchers however is it in the Sox best interest, are they really buyers. There is no way they can trade Joe Crede whose contract is up after this year because they will never get true value for what he is worth. Crede is a proven clutch player that can not be measured by just two young prospects, if you can not get a starter in return then anything else is a loss. I know he has quite amount of errors and his batting has been off a little lately but Joe still in as a All-star this year.
The SOX could use another quality starter but that will probably cost more as the trade deadline approaches. Everyone wants pitching but it comes at a much bigger premium come trade deadline time. The Sox and Kenny WIlliams are not known for making the big deal but are known for picking up small parts that might be able to help. The wavier wire has been a help in the Sox past such as picking up Bobby Jenks in 2005 and that will most likely be the only movement the Sox do unless Kenny Williams and the Sox prove me wrong.
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