Consistency Comes Next

Tonight's 8-1 White Sox victory over Boston was a step in the right direction. Jose Contreras threw the ball very well. This was the third straight excellent start from the White Sox starting staff. The White Sox offense jumped all over mediocre pitching from Kyle Snyder and the Boston relief corps, and even Dustin Hermanson got into the act by pitching one three-up three-down inning.

Ozzie Guillen met with the team for a pregame meeting, which was likley a partial reason for the onslaught. The White Sox showed a much greater sense of urgency tonight. Jermaine Dye made a fabulous catch in center field, and the White Sox hitters looked a lot more decisive at home plate. They were agressive and were not afraid to take hard cuts when ahead in the count. Ryan Sweeney started in center and hit lead-off with Scott Podsednik batting eighth. This was likely a message sent by management to both Podsednik and regular centerfielder Brian Anderson. If they can combine this agressiveness consistently, and if the improved starting pitching continues, the White Sox can still salvage this season.