A Few Thoughts on Donte Stallworth

Sox Record: 30-34; The Sox have a -27 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Third place and 4 behind the Tigers.

Where I get on my Soapbox: I know this is a White Sox blog that usually has some random Chicago or US soccer thought at the bottom but... I'm flabbergasted and pissed off at the moment.

Back in March, when Donte Stallworth killed a man while driving drunk, I figured his career was over. He had played his last snap in the NFL and he'd be put in jail for the next ten years or more. It was a sad, preventable event for all parties. I assumed justice would be served and honestly, didn't think that much more about it.

That was until this morning when I read the details of the Stallworth plea agreement. Thirty days in jail (which will only be 24 days), two years of house arrest, and eight years on probation. Thankfully he has a lifetime driver's license suspension (but something tells me this only applies for Florida). The NFL will probably suspend him for somewhere between two and eight games but we won't know for another month or so. The legal matter is over and done with. This is the justice that Stallworth has been given.

I have a few issues here:

-- We live in a society that values dogs lives more than a human life. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Michael Vick fights dogs and gets 18 months in jail plus at least two years away from the NFL. He becomes public enemy #2 in the process. Vick is eventually cut by the Falcons because of his off the field actions and today, teams don't want to sign Vick because of the PR circus it will entail. Meanwhile, Stallworth killed a man while driving drunk, spends a few days in jail, probably miss a few NFL games, and keep his job with the Cleveland Browns. Now, I know there are people out there that say a dog's life is equal to that of a human. And others will say that Vick knowingly fought dogs while Stallworth accidently ran a man over (though if he wasn't drunk, I think it's safe to assume that the tragic 'accident' would not have happened). But me? I think what Stallworth did was much worse than Vick's actions.

Michael Vick isn't a saint, and I'm not going to defend what he did. But isn't there something wrong with our society and culture when Vick is vilified by society and then spends more time in jail for not harming a human being? Shouldn't we reevaluate our mores? Should we also take a long hard look at our laws?

-- Drunk driving laws in America are total crap. Why even have them if you can plea your way down to three weeks in jail for killing another human being? Another way to think about this: if Stallworth had shot Mario Reyes with a gun, he'd be in jail for 30 years or more. Why is killing someone while driving drunk less of a crime?

Because white people drive drunk. A lot, or enough to make the laws what they are. And white people are the majority in America. I don't want to go on an anti-democracy rant out of fear of being labeled anti-American, but drunk driving laws (like crack and cocaine laws) in America show the ugly side of democracy. So for people who say we live in a post-racial society because we elected a black man as President--we don't. Our laws are still unjust and they still favor the majority. This is one of the cons of living in a democracy, there is a lot of inconsistency in our laws. Drunk driving laws being one of the more glaring in America.

-- Donte Stallworth, I'd never ever thought I'd have to say this, but you've been added to my "I'll Never Own You In Fantasy Football List". So welcome to the club which includes Jerramy Stevens, Pacman Jones, Leonard Little, and T.O.

/steps off Soapbox... thanks JT, waits for the Cubs/Sox game to begin.

Cubs, Sox, and Rossi, too!

Sox Record: 30-34; The Sox have a -27 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Third place and 4.5 behind the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Still Josh Fields.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Ozzie... because he called Wrigley what it is: a dump. Fans treat Wrigley like a dump. For all the bullshit about how it's a "national landmark" and the "treasure" the truth is that the same fans that say it's the greatest place on Earth also treat the park like shit. If Cub fans actually respected Wrigley would they actually stand for the behavior that takes place there? And that behavior is some sort of combination of drinking, puking, pissing, yelling like a moron, not watching the game, and then crying after they lose... again. And again. And again.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Okay, Cubs preview. I'm not sure how to break this down other than just to start rambling. I promise to put away my hyperbole fingers and think with my Milton Freeman Rational Cap.

1) Sox fans do not like Cub fans. There are a billion reasons as to why this is... one is that Cub fans are completely and totally insane. They haven't won the World Series in 100 years, yet fans convince themselves EVERY YEAR that they are going to win the World Series. They're delusional, totally delusional. Reality does not exist at Wrigley Field. TheRiot's game winning hit on Sunday? To the casual baseball fan, the park exploded as if the Cubs had just won the N.L. Pennate. Of course all that happened was that the Cubs broke a four game losing streak and managed to get their asses back to .500.

2) Cub fans don't really care about Sox fans... but then the Sox won the World Series in 2005 and now half of the Cub fans that exist sort of hate and resent us. They'll claim they were happy for us, and I'm sure that was true, but now it sort of grates at them. The other half, the other half that doesn't hate Sox fans? These people are NOT Cub fans. They're MidwestCollegeTransplants (MCT). MCTs went to a Big Ten, a MAC, or Ohio Valley School. They grew up in places like Columbus, Grosse Pointe, Edwardsville, or Middle'O'Nowhere, Iowa. They probably grew up either as casual Red, Indian, Tiger, Brave or Brewer fans. They have since switched allegiance and go to Wrigley to get drunk, puke, yell like a moron, not watch the game, and then cry when the Cubs lose again... and again... and again.

3) The most underrated Cub fan is the 73 year old grandma who goes to the local tavern and drinks High Life while watching the Cubs. These ladies freak me out if only because they don't act like nice little old ladies and can lose all rationality while watching the Cubs. Plus seeing a 71 year old, white haired lady, drinking a High Life at the bar is weird.

4) Remember, newspapers usually don't do statistics well.

5) Both teams come into this series in a state of confusion. The Sox are probably a tad worse than people thought, but I can't call them underachievers. Meanwhile, the Cubs have sucked the first 60 odd games of the year. Their offense has let them down, and the bullpen is a problem again. Their starting pitching has been their saving grace, however, they still lack a #1 pitcher or someone who can go out there and battle no matter what. The closest the Cubs come to that 'ace' is Ted Lilly -- but people are still pissed about Lilly's suck ass performance in the 2007 playoffs. Meanwhile, Zambrano continues to be totally, utterly insane and teams can still rattle him and get inside his head. Rich Harden has been a bust imo and further proof that you cannot trust any Canadian that does not play hockey full time. Between injuries and walking everyone in sight, I'm not sure he actually helps the Cubs since he can't seem to get past the fifth most starts. Ryan Dempster is also a Canadian and also proof that you cannot trust Canadians who do not play hockey as a profession.

6) Speaking of Dempster, he started the now infamous Game One of the 2008 NLDS which does not get enough media attention. The Cubs, who were the best National League team in the regular season, and their fans were pumped for this game. If you remember, Dempster was walking everyone in site.

7) If you want my opinion on why the Cubs are struggling and will not win this year here it is:

Soriano leading off takes their best bat away from the middle of the line up. If Soriano hit fourth, the Cubs line up would be pretty sick and much more difficult to pitch to. But Soriano's instance to lead off hurts this team... instead of going Lee, Soriano, Bradley (and eventually Ramirez) the Cubs stick Fukudome in the three hole. And we all know the Fukudome may be the most hated Cub in some time. The Cubs need Soriano's power down in the order, I think that's the easiest and best way to fix the Cubs. They can't unsign Bradley (who they should NEVER have signed in the first place), and unless they can deal for Chase Utley, there's little chance they they can find an upgrade at any position on the trade market. Moving Soriano is really the only option they have in 2009. Not that I want them to win... but it would be fun to watch them lose to the Phillies or Dodgers in the playoffs.

8) The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. They haven't played in the World Series since 1945. Wrigley was built in 1912.

9) Prediction? I'll say the Sox take two of three. The pitching match ups probably slightly favor the Cubs, but the Cubs pen figures to blow one of the games.

The Most Hated American in America: George W. Bush gets the day off because... Giuseppe Rossi appeared! Under normal circumstances scoring two goals to lead Italy to a 3-1 victory of the U!S!A! in soccer would lead Rossi to be disliked by a the 100,000 soccer fans in the US. But Rossi was born and raised in... New Jersey and thus is an American citizen (I wonder if Rossi voted in 2008?). However, Rossi decided to play for Italy internationally because, well, he's good enough, probably would like to win a trophy that isn't the Gold Cup, and his father is Italian (which gives him Italian citizenship). Rossi spent the first 13 years here in the USA and probably orders heroes from the place catty corner from wooder plant while listening to Bon Jovi. I'm sure he fits in with these guys...

I didn't see the game. It sounded like the US got a bogus red card, went up 1-0, then got taken apart in the second half. Now they have their work cut out for them to advance to the next round of the Confederations Cup.

As for Rossi... until he starts doing American Apparel ads, I can't hate on the kid. Sure it'd be nice if he'd play for the country he was born in and lived in, but it's within his right to play for Italy. You win some (Freddy Adu) and you lose some (Rossi and the Serbian kid, Neven Subotic). However, with the US dying for an American born soccer star... wouldn't it be in some young kids interest to play for the USA? Seeing how much press Adu got when he was a teenager and how much money Beckham got, wouldn't being the first American soccer star be a lot of money in the bank? Rossi won't be endorsing anything here in the U.S.A. because he decided to play for Italy. But with his talent... wouldn't he have a ton of offers if he did play for the USA? Or is this wishful thinking on my part?

Is there hope?

Sox Record: 30-34; The Sox have a -27 run differential. 

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back:  Third place and 4.5 behind the Tigers. 

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Still Josh Fields.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: You hit a home and keep the Sox in the game on the mound, you become my favorite player for the moment.  Come on down, Mark Buehrle!  Yesterday's game was crazy... featuring a pitcher who scored the winning run as a pitch runner.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Okay, I was way off.  Konerko won't be out for a while.  Missing only Friday's game, Konerko was back in the line up on Saturday and also played Sunday.  The Sox had one big inning on Saturday and a great pitching performance from Contreras leading to an easy win.  Then yesterday enough went right for them to pull out a win.  Add a bad weekend for the Tigers and the Sox are all of a sudden 4.5 out with 98 to play.  So... do the Sox have a chance?

Let's do some easy math.  Last year, the Sox won the AL Central with 89 wins.  In order for the Sox to win 89 games this year... well they have to go 59-39 (.602).  And seeing how this team has played thus far I don't think that's going to happen.  The run differential alone says that this team isn't going to get it done unless the offense finds another run a game.  And in order for that to happen St. Carlos has to get healthy, Pods has to keep it up, Beckham has to keep hitting like he hit this weekend, and probably get someone else (Anderson? Nix? Getz? Fields?) to start hitting much better than they are.  I'm not holding my breath.

HOWEVER, the Tigers are on pace to win 87 games and that means the Sox only need to go 57-41 (.582).  Oh wait, that would still require the Sox offense to turn things around and Carlos... Pods... Beckham... Someone else...

In other words, one weekend set against the Brewers isn't changing my opinion about the Sox.  I still think they're an 80 win team.  

But it's also nice to take two or three from the Brewers--former rials turned now sort of Great Hopes for Sox fans who want the Cubs to lose.  I'm not sure what to make of the Brewers now a days.  They've been out of the American League for over ten years now and in that time my dislike of them has abated.  But I still find it hard for me to root for them... let's go Reds... maybe one of these days I'll be able to get behind the team that represents the fine people of Wisconsin.

Tomorrow... Cubs preview.

The Writing is on the Wall

Sox Record: 28-33; The Sox have a -29 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Third place and 5.5 behind the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: I am openly rooting for Josh Fields to strike out every time he steps to the plate. I'm not sure I've ever rooted against a Sox player like I've started rooting against Fields. I want him to fail... which is really weird considering he's going to be playing first base a lot over the next month with Konerko hurt.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Pods. Seriously, I can't get enough of Pods right now. I said it and it feels good. I have no clue where he came from or why he's good, but he is and I love it. I love it like a high school crush or a spring song.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: The Sox went the inverse of what they needed to do on their longest home stand of the season (4-8) and in the process loss St. Carlos of Quinten and Konerko for the next month. They weren't scoring runs before and they'll probably be scoring less in the next month. So what to do?

If nothing else, for the first time since early May, I'm sort of excited about the Sox again. Weird, but true... so why am I pumped about a Sox team that's going to lose more than it wins from here on out?

Because it's the Sox are going to reload. The 2005 team will be a distant memory by April of 2010. Dye and Thome should start telling Kenny where they want to play the last two or three months of the season. Bobby Jenks could easy be dealt assuming he stops blowing saves. Dotel is all but gone at this point. If Jose Contreras has a few more good starts, I could see a team taking a flyer on him come July.

The only two guys I can't see the Sox trading are Konerko and AJ. AJ stays because they don't have anyone else who can catch four or five times a week this year or next year. Plus AJ's the kind of guy who's more valuable to the Sox than he is to any other team. Konerko isn't going any where because he's a 5 and 10 guy (meaning he has to okay any deal) and the Sox can't take the PR hit of trading away a fan favorite.

Shockingly, even if the Sox unload all those guys... they should be in good shape in 2010. Beckham will move over to second at some point (I pray). Hopefully, Cuban#3 (Dayan Viciedo) can take over third next year. Alexei stays at short and Konerko at first. And with so much money coming off the books, the Sox can make a run at an outfielder (Holiday? Jason Bay? Carl Crawford if he some how hits the open market? Chone Figgens?) to replace Dye next year. And the starting pitching is pretty much in place (they'll need to find a fifth, but that shouldn't be too hard to fill). Plus who knows what the Sox will pick up from the Thome/Dye/Dotel/Jenks?/Contreras? deals.

Of all the guys the Sox have to deal, Dye probably has the most value since he's a hell of a player and can hit. He makes too much sense for the Red Sox or the Mets. And if you're the Rays, don't you take a look at Thome? Same goes for the Angels and Rangers.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out... I'm sure I'll have more thoughts as time goes on...

When Shitty Baseball Players Cry: The Josh Fields Story

Sox Record: 27-32; The Sox have a -29 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Third place and 5.5 behind the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Josh Fields, who sucks but is upset that the White Sox brought up Beckham to replace him at third. Some advise for Josh Fields: if you could hit and field and this wouldn't be a problem. But Fields has been absolutely atrocious. The best you can say about his play this year is that he's been sort of getting on base. But everything else has been fat bellow major league quality. He hasn't hit for power or average and he can't field at third base. His error on Monday ended up costing the Sox the game [more on that in a second]. That Fields went public with the Sox calling up Beckham only means one thing... I can't wait until they cut/trade/sent him down to the minors again. If Josh Fields never plays for the White Sox again I'd be happy.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Jared Mitchell! The Sox first round pick yesterday is an outfielder with LSU who the scouts say has a ton of 'raw' 'talent'. Apparently fast and eventually will have some pop and should be able to play center in the majors. However, since Mitchell played football at LSU also (back up wide out) he isn't as far along as most college players. If Mitchell pans out, I wouldn't expect him to reach the Sox until 2012 because he has such a long way to go.

Also big ups to the White Sox's next Great Jewish Hope: Aaron Poreda who was called up yesterday. The world found out via his Facebook status... is this the first time somebody's Facebook status made news? I know Twitter has already done so... but Facebook?

Rhetorical Question of the Day: I sad the Sox had to go 8-4 over this home stand. Right now they're 3-7. This home stand has been a disaster. And to top it off, they should have taken the first three games from the Tigers in this all important five game set. But of course, they blew the first game and lost a heart breaker last night. On Monday, in the first part of a double header, the Sox come back to tie the game only to lose it thanks to Josh Fields inability to play baseball. Last night, they score three in the ninth only to lose in part because:

1) In the bottom of the ninth, down 2, Konerko doubles down the left field line. Pods and Alexei score with ease. Wise, who was on first, is thrown out at the plate by a hair... if he was out at all. Just an absolute killer to not win the game there.

2) To lead off the 10th, Cabrera hit a solo shot off Linebrink to give the Tigers a 7-6 lead. Sox can't do anything in the 10th... game over. As South Side Sox put it, bad teams find ways to lose to okay teams.

I don't know where the Sox go from here. Even if they win today and tomorrow they stand 3.5 out and three under .500. The Sox run differential isn't very good. Even with Pods and Alexei sort of saving the season over the last three weeks, the pitching hasn't been enough and the bottom of the order blows. I don't know where the Sox go from here in 2009.

They get a steady diet of the National League over the next few weeks. This is a good thing. But the Tigers, Twins, and Indians also get to face the NL over the next few weeks. Odds are the Sox, who also have the tougher of the interleague schedules due to the Money Making Series also known as playing the Cubs twice, won't pick up that much (if any) ground. So July comes around and the Sox are within striking distance, but probably have a negative/barely positive run differential and are floating around .500. So sure, they could lie to themselves and hope that this old Tiger team who is getting some career years out of guys to flounder. And then hope the Twins don't make any moves and the Tribes pitching continues to suck... But that's hopelessly hoping.

I'm about ready to bail on 2009... but hey if Pods can turn into a borderline All-Star, then why can't Gordon Beckham start hitting, AJ starts driving in runs, and the Sox find a second baseman?

GORDON BECKHAM!

Sox Record: 25-27; The Sox have a -17 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Third place and 3.5 behind the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: The White Sox cannot hit pitchers the first time they see them. They turn bad AAA prospects into Randy Johnson. So after back to back games against a pitcher they've never seen and who isn't very good... and the Sox losing both games... I hate the entire lineup. Well not Dye, because he hits these guys, but everyone else.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: GORDON BECKHAM!!!! He has arrived! He's in Chicago! He's going to start this afternoon! He might be one of the three or four things in this AL Central race that may tip it. If Beckham hits, the Sox line up is vastly improved. If he doesn't... well he isn't not going to hit, so why even think that way.

Beckham is the best prospect since... geeze... I don't know. Carlos Lee 11 years ago? Jon Rauch even though he sucked, was up there in the early part of the decade same can be said for Kip Wells. Joe Borchard was given a ton of press way back when... but he never did enough in the minors to make me think, 'I can't wait until Borchard gets to the bigs'. He just didn't have it.

Beckham is different. He's been an ace in the whole since the team broke camp back in March. He's been the guy who every Sox fan had in the back of their mind -- well if Getz doesn't work out at second, Beckham will be up in July to solve second base. (Of course, Beckham is up in June to solve third base). Beckham's been that guy that the Twins and Indians always have -- the mid year hot prospect that can come up and tip the division. And this year, the White Sox have that guy.

Second and third were always going to be THE positions that determined the Sox season this year. Getz has been good enough to not get upset about his lack of production. Fields has been a total disaster. He can't field and he can't hit. I'm not sure what happened to 2007 Josh Fields, but he's not in Chicago right now. The guy can't hit a 90 mhp fast ball [enter David Ortiz joke here]. In other words, I'm not disappointed to see Fields lose playing time.

Let the Gordon Beckham Era begin.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Coming into this 12 game home stand, I figured the Sox needed to go 8-4. After a 1-2 start things just got a lot tougher, but a win today means a split with the A's, which isn't the end of the world. Two of three from the Tribe, then the suddenly kind of big five game set with the Tigers. We'll see how the weekend plays out and where the Sox and Tigers are come Monday morning, but until then, let's go out and win the game today and hopefully Beckham will hit a home run today.

Here Come the Sox!

Sox Record: 24-25; The Sox have a -14 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Some how the Sox are in second and four games back of the Tigers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: The Sox are playing well, so it's hard to be that annoyed with anyone other than National League pitchers who refuse to pitch for the White Sox for reasons I can't figure out. The Sox are a good team, good/great organization, they win games, they win World Series, it's a good market in a great town... if it's for family reasons, then I can't say these guys are making mistakes, but if it's to protect their stats... well fuck 'em.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Pods, who apparently thinks it's the first half of 2005... he's getting on base and scoring runs. And it's lead to the Sox playing really really really well. Seriously, this is the most amazing come back in my White Sox lifetime. Even if it only lasts a few more weeks, he's been just what the doctor ordered, and then some, for the White Sox. I can't believe I'm typing this. At no point in March or April did I ever think I would be writing about Scott Podsednik playing well and being just want the Sox needed. If for no other reason than HE WASN'T EVEN ON THE TEAM.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Sunday's game, which I was looking forward to because of the Danks/Greinke pitching match up, turned out not to be much of a pitching match up. Danks struggled and didn't really have it. However, he fought and battled and if it wasn't for Alexei totally misplaying a pop up behind second, things wouldn't have been as bad. But after Alexei's drop/miss, the Sox were down 4-1 to the Royals and the best pitcher in the majors during the first two months of the season. But the Sox battled, Josh Fields! got a huge two out, two strike single to make it 4-3 in the 3rd. Then Pods reached and scored on a Dye blooper. Tie game 4-4 going to the bottom of the 4th. And better yet, Greinke had thrown 90 odd pitches though the first four innings. Of course the Sox then managed to see all of 12 pitches in the next three innings.

I'm not sure what happened to this team a few weeks ago, but something happened. They're no longer lifeless. It's helped that Alexei has been much better than he was the first six weeks of the season. And Konerko/Dye/Thome has gotten the job done as St. Carlos of Quentin struggles with a foot injury. But it's been, again I can't believe I'm typing this, Scott Podsednik's ability to get on base at the top of the order that's been a huge difference. It's impossible to win with out good pitching. It's hard to win with out a middle of the order OR a good lead off guy. Now, I know that Pods can't keep this up, but this is just amazing. Four years after Pods gets on, Iguchi takes a few pitches as Pods seals second, then Iguchi gets him to third and Konerko/Dye find a way to get Pods home for a 1-0 Sox lead... it's happening all over again! Now if we can figure out second/third (I assume Gordon Beckham will take over one of those positions in July), this team has a shot. Because we all know Kenny is going to land some more pitching by July 31st...

In Other News: The lady survived the Titanic, lived for 97 years, and still never saw the Cubs win the World Series. RIP Millvina Dean.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - I never rapped up the Hawks season. And what can I say. The Red Wings are really good. They were better than the Hawks, end of story.

That said, what a great year for the Hawks. I loved this team and it was the most fun I had watching a team since the 2005 White Sox. So kudos to the Blackhawks... I can't wait until October.

The AL East

Sox Record: 20-24; The Sox have a -28 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and 5 and a half out.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Bobby Jenks. The only reason why the Sox aren't 21-23 and on a 6 out of 7 run.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Pods, who had like four hits (maybe three) yesterday proving that he doesn't always suck.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Since we're past Memorial Day, it's time to look at the standings and figuring out who's real and who isn't. Today the AL East:

Boston is in first, but I'm not sure how they score runs. Then again, it's only Ortiz that has been bad. But you have to wonder if they can keep this up. I'm not a fan of their line up and it seems to me that they're hitting out of their minds. They need to get more from Ortiz (duh), and just about everyone else on that team to not drop off all that much. I don't see anyone in this line up, other than Ortiz, that Boston can expect to be better. Jason Bay may be having a career year, but odds are he's going to come back to Earth. All this means the pitching has to continue to be good. And the bad news... the bullpen has been amazing (best in the majors so far). The starting pitching? Not so hot. While they can expect Beckett to pitch better, and Dice-K should be better too, the starting pitching should worry every Red Sox fan. Overall this team is playing a bit over it's head; and in a division with little to no room for error, I don't think they're going to be in first or second in September unless other teams get really banged up. Unless of course, you believe that the bullpen will continue to be amazing and the starting pitching rights itself... I don't.

The Yankees have been hotter than LeBron over the last few weeks. While the numbers say they're playing over their heads, I think we have to remember that A-Rod missed all of April. And he's hitting the shit out of the ball and there is no reason he won't continue to do so. While they have a few bats that are going to cool off (Damon and Posada), it's actually sort of amazing that if the Yankees do make the playoffs by a game or two, they'll have Nick Swisher to thank because of his out of this world April. There is still a lot of dead weight in this line up, but with A-Rod and Tex; then Jeter playing like we all know (and are supposed to love), with Nady coming back and the rest of those guys they should continue to score runs. As for the pitching, it is what it is. Burnett should pitch a bit better if he stays healthy. But everyone else is what you'd expect. Which doesn't bode that well considering their team ERA is way too high, but the bullpen should be better as the season goes on. The starters are the only reason to be worried because there doesn't seem to be a ton of room for improvement, and I still can't believe they didn't trade for Santana. Phil Hughes just isn't that good. Anyway, none of this matters as long as Tex, CC, A-Rod, and Jeter all avoid the DL. If they all do, then playoffs comes back to the Bronx.

The Blue Jays have been in first most of the year thus far, but now stand 1.5 back. Number wise, their success isn't that surprising (as a team). But they've got some totally bizarre individual performances. Overbay and Scutaro are hitting way above their heads. But Rios and Wells are well bellow what anyone would expect. For the Jays sake, maybe Overbay and Scuraro's fall to the mean will be cancelled out by Rios and Wells finally starting to realize they're Rios and Wells. I'd also like to introduce Canada to Adam Lind who will probably keep this up. The key to their season might be Aaron Hill keeping up his All-Star numbers. But that's not likely. The bad news is that it looks like the bats are starting to cool off since a four game sweep of the White Sox. The other part of the bad news for Toronto? There is almost no way they're going to continue to get the pitching they've gotten. Okay, so DocHalladay has been great and will continue to be so (he's on his way to another Cy Young). But injuries have destroyed this rotation, but some how, some way, with a bunch of no names, they've been good enough to win games. That will end soon. But they also hope to get some guys back who have been injured, so who knows. But unless either Hill or Scutaro keep hitting like he has and Wells and Rios turn it up, I can't see them finishing in the top two in this division.

I'm sure statheads are banging their heads against the wall trying to figure out how the Rays are a game under .500. They should be about four games better than they are, but at only five games back, they're in this race. Can Longoria keep this up? There is no reason why he shouldn't, but he hasn't done it yet. However, Jason Bartlett won't keep hitting like he has, and his fall back down to Earth isn't going to be pretty. Zobrist, who's going to get a lot of playing time now that Iwamura is out for the year, should regress a bit, but no reason to think that he's going to hit a lot worse than he has. So the good news is that everyone else: Pena and Gross should be fine, while Crawford, Burrell, and my man crush, B.J. Upton, should only be better. While Crawford is never going to hit for power, I'd expect him to hit better, Burrell only has one season where he was this bad, so while that might be a reason for concern, he's also hitting in a loaded line up so he's going to see good pitches. Finally, B.J. Upton who really can't be any worse, so eventually he's going to figure this out and play like he did in October where he was the best player in baseball. What's really scary is that their pitching is only going to get better (well, starting pitching). Price replacing Sonnanstine should have happened back in March (or will happen when Kazmir, who's been brutal, comes back from the DL). Assuming Kazmir puts it back together, there's little concern reason for concern on this team... well other than losing Iwamura for the year (eh, he can be replaced and just means that Zobrist and Gross will play every day). So if the bullpen can keep it up or even get better, the Rays SHOULD make a run and that run should help them leap frog the Red Sox. I expect them to join the Yankees in the postseason.

Finally, the hapless, but fun, Baltimore Orioles. They don't have any pitching, but they do have a sweet outfield that's going to be really good for years to come. They need to fight another corner outfielder because Felix Pie isn't going to be a major league player, but Adam Jones is. I also don't know what they do with that infield in years to come, but I think the O's have a loaded minor league system so that should sort itself out in the next two years. Seriously, they don't have any pitching... they'll end up having the highest ERA in baseball and have an outside chance at giving up 1,000 runs this year which is always fun to follow. But the pieces are starting to fall into place for the good people of West Baltimore.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - The Hawks looked and played like crap on Sunday. Now they have to win three in a row against the Anti-Fun Machine known as the Detroit Red Wings. It could happen. But it won't. Until their dead, I'll hang on to hope. But all I really want now is Tomas Holmstrom's no talent face being rubbed into the ice. At least the other funless, Nordic no fun machine Wings are talented so you tip your had to them. But Holmstrom? He doesn't do anything. He sits in front of the fucking net and does nothing at all. Of course you can't push him over because that'd be a penalty. So he just sits there and does nothing but block the goaltender. That's not hockey. That's bullshit.

Jane says no; Sox lose by a billion to Twins

Sox Record: 17-23; The Sox have a -193,392,847 run differential. I think the Twins scored again. My Lord that was embarrassing.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and 6 and a half out. The Tigers can't lose! GM is going bankrupt! The Wings are two wins from the Cup Finals! Most American cars are made in Canada! I love Detroit!

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Wilson Betemit who apparently can't throw and whose error in the second lead to about 800 unearned runs.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: When you lose 20-1, no one gets love. But Kenny Williams for pulling off the Peavy deal gets props.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Jane Peavy said no to the White Sox yesterday... which shouldn't shock us. Peavy's reasons were something about him wanting to hit, the fact that he wants to keep his ERA low because he plays in the biggest stadium in the majors, and because he's scared of the American League which, as we'll see over the next month, is a lot better than the National League.

Jane, I wish you the best of luck as you attempt to lose even more games on a very bad Padres team that can't hit. I wish you the best of luck if/when you get traded to the Cubs and you approve that deal, which will send everyone into a tizzy, sports journalists will say things like "There's no difference between the Cubs and White Sox! Why did he say okay now! What a loser!" and "If he wanted to win, why did he okay a trade the Cubs who haven't won a World Series in over a hundred years? Plus the weather is better in San Diego!"

But the real story will be "Will Jake Peavy be attacked by Sox fans" if he's traded to the Cubs. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT put this past us. Personally, I would never because if Peavy does get traded to the Cubs he'll blow out his arm or something within a year. BUT there are plenty of Sox fans who are totally nuts on a the Radiers/Jets/Browns/SEC/Ohio State scale. I mean, I could easy see a Sox fan seeing Peavy walking down the street and punching him in the face. Sox fans will go to Wrigley just to boo Peavy. I could see a Sox fan rushing the field with a nine iron and going for Jane's right shoulder. None of this would shock me. In other words, Jake Peavy better hope is NOT traded to the Cubs.

Crazy Stat I Dug Up: Interleague play couldn't come soon enough for the Sox after the last two weeks and yesterday's beat down. The Sox have been great in interleague three of the last four years and the suck ass Pirates come into town for three. But get this about the Pirates. We all know they haven't had a winning season since 1992... Over those 16 seasons the Pirates are 1104-1419. That's a .437 winning percentage. That's 315 games bellow .500. But get this... the Pirate franchise is still over 200 games over .500! So the Pirates can pretty much continue to suck for the next 13 years and they'd still be a .500 franchise.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - Let's beat the Nortic Commies tonight! Come on team Canada plus Kane, Big Buff, Marty, and Khabi! Beat the Commie Nortic bastards!

Jake Peavy a Sox?

Sox Record: 17-22; The Sox have a -28 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and 5 and a half out. The Tigers have caught a bit of fire... I'll take a look at them in a few days. I'm just happy the Royals are doing what I told you they'd be doing. Losing. But it's amazing what a two game winning streak can do.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Gavin Floyd -- he has sucked even if he's tipping his pitches.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Paul Konerko who seems somewhat dead set to save this season. Konerko, Dye, and Buehrle are the only bright spots this year and the only reason why the Sox aren't in fifth. I've also got love for Brian Anderson because that means Brent "I'm not a Major League Player" Lillibridge isn't in the majors at the moment.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: So the big news is that the Sox have reached a deal for Jake Peavy. The deal is done so all that we're waiting for is Peavy to give it the okay. Since Gordon Beckham isn't part of this deal, I really really really really really want Peavy to say yes. I want Jake Peavy to be a White Sox for the next three or four years. However, until it happens, I'm going to hold off on the baseball stuff... [that said assuming Peavy says yes today I expect Peavy to start on Saturday against Pittsburgh. Jake is schedule to start on Friday for the Padres and Richard is schedule to go for the Sox on Saturday].

All this said... there are two reasons I want Peavy to say yes:

1) Because it makes the White Sox better in the short and long term. He's only 27 and has been pretty durable.

2) It would be the most awesome fuck you to Cub fans since those glorious days in October of 2005 (also known as the Month Jesus Came Back To Chicago).

Cub fans have been going around for months as if they are entitled to Jake Peavy even though their farm system is worse than the Nationals. To most Cub fans, the thinking was that it was only a matter of time before the Padres gave in and traded Peavy to the Cubs for nothing. Peavy would be wearing Loser Blue, it was going to happen. It was fact in their minds.

But here comes Kenny Williams getting a deal done for Peavy right under the Cubs nose. It's glorious. If Peavy accepts, he becomes a hero to Sox fans for this reason alone. If he turns down the Sox and ends up with the Cubs, he will then have to fear for the health of his right shoulder. Us Sox fans are crazy bunch. Disliking or hating the Cubs is a necessity... Jake should consider that... would he rather pitch for the White Sox and be loved on the South Side because he IS NOT a Cub or would he rather fear for the safety of his right elbow every day he lives in Chicago? Because if he does ever make it up to the North Side, there will be a lot of Sox fans in Daniel Plainview clothing.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - Down 2-0 after losing an absolute heartbreaker on Tuesday night. The Hawks played with and maybe even better than the Wings, but a mistake by Campbell in OT lead to a 3 on 1 Nordic rush... Barker and Khabibulin had no shot at stopping the break. Great passing from the Wings, and everyone heads back to Chicago tomorrow with the Hawks down 2-0.

Is it over? No. But it doesn't look good. The good news is that the Hawks didn't play over their heads on Monday. They can easily come out there tomorrow and play better. The Wings don't have this series rapped up just yet. Let's hope the Hawks come out flying with the energy from the crowd which is going to be loud. Really loud.

But the Wings are also like the older, bigger, faster older brother... the Hawks always get close, but the Wings all end up winning. It's so frustrating. It makes me hate sports. But if we were to beat the Wings... it would feel so good... and that's why I keep coming back for more.

And two game winning streaks.