Sox Getting Closer
The Sox seem to be getting closer to making a run. The starting pitching, the weakness all season, has really turned things around. Over their last nine starts, White Sox pitchers have combined to post a 2.39 ERA. It has been a remarkable turn-around.
The White Sox hitters have been inconsistent lately, which can be attributed to poor play from lead-off hitter Scott Podsednik. He has struggled to stay above .260 this year, which is inexcusable for a lead-off hitter. Even worse is his .329 on base percentage. A lead-off hitter that reaches base less than 33 percent of the time is inexcusable and failing to reach base is the primary reason why his steals are down. As the old adage says, you cannot steal first base (unless you are truly awesome like AJ Pierzynski).
However, I think the offense is adequate to win the division if the starting pitching keeps pitching well. They have enough power to win tight ball games or make a bad pitcher lose in a blow-out. They would be more consistent with a good lead-off hitter, but they are adequate.
The bullpen is the biggest question mark at this point. Bobby Jenks has not been pitching very well since his hip started bothering him, and the middle relief, outside of Matt Thornton, has been shaky recently. However, these guys have the ability to pitch well, and they have done so at times this year. I think they will put it back together before the season ends.
Overall, I am going out on a limb and predicting that the Chicago White Sox will win the division, and the Minnesota Twins will take the Wild Card by one game. Detroit is falling apart, and they won't be able to hold the other two teams off much longer.
The White Sox hitters have been inconsistent lately, which can be attributed to poor play from lead-off hitter Scott Podsednik. He has struggled to stay above .260 this year, which is inexcusable for a lead-off hitter. Even worse is his .329 on base percentage. A lead-off hitter that reaches base less than 33 percent of the time is inexcusable and failing to reach base is the primary reason why his steals are down. As the old adage says, you cannot steal first base (unless you are truly awesome like AJ Pierzynski).
However, I think the offense is adequate to win the division if the starting pitching keeps pitching well. They have enough power to win tight ball games or make a bad pitcher lose in a blow-out. They would be more consistent with a good lead-off hitter, but they are adequate.
The bullpen is the biggest question mark at this point. Bobby Jenks has not been pitching very well since his hip started bothering him, and the middle relief, outside of Matt Thornton, has been shaky recently. However, these guys have the ability to pitch well, and they have done so at times this year. I think they will put it back together before the season ends.
Overall, I am going out on a limb and predicting that the Chicago White Sox will win the division, and the Minnesota Twins will take the Wild Card by one game. Detroit is falling apart, and they won't be able to hold the other two teams off much longer.
posted by Pat at 12:40 AM
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