JEFF'S CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX?
A TRUE CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG, FROM A TRUE CHICAGO SPORTS FAN!
It's hard to believe that the White Sox have lost 16 of their last 19 games. This dismal performance has left Sox fans baffled. Could you have imagined that this lineup would be so ineffective? The Sox find themselves 10.5 games behind the front running Cleveland Indians with the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins in second and third place respectively. The Sox are dead last in nine offensive categories! They're hitting .231 as a team and they are the only team hitting less than 100 doubles, with a measly 83! They're sixteenth in home runs but dead last in RBI's, which translates to solo home runs. It's not surprising that the Sox are struggling with offensive stats like this.
Who do you blame? How do you correct this in time to have a shot in the playoffs?
If you listen to local sports radio they have all but written the Sox off. I don't believe this! Even though White Sox starting pitching hasn't been top notch, most starting pitchers have kept the team within reach in most games. The staff has had to endure the pressure of an offense that is not producing runs, and has had to carry the team. It's tough to pitch thinking you have to make perfect pitches every inning.
Of course, the bullpen hasn't held up in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings either, but I suspect that will change for the better.
The return of Scott Podsednik should provide an offensive boost. If the big three hitters - Dye, Konerko and Thome - can get hot, the Sox can put together a winning streak. There's no question that losing Joe Crede hurts, but they'll have to work past that!
The Chicago White Sox have one of the best closers in the game, Bobby Jenks, as well as a fiery manager. Although Ozzie Guillen has been successful in his early managerial career, he faces a tough time ahead trying to right the ship.
I believe the Sox can still make some real noise in a very tough division but they have to get it going soon! Anyway, that's the way I see it!
Want to talk Chicago Sports? Drop me a line anytime! Whether it's the Bulls, the Bears, the Cubs, the Sox, the Blackhawks, or the Fire, Let's Talk!
JEFF ARDITO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, The Dean's Team Chicago Sports Section
