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.

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.

The Second Worst Offense in the American League

Sox Record: 15-18; The Sox have a -22 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth but only 2 out of first.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: There comes and time and place to rip a guy for sucking. Even if it's not his fault that he's playing, injuries have destroyed this team in center field, but Brent Lillibridge flat out sucks. He stinks. He is not a major league player. And even though there are few situations where he would ever play every day and it's not his fault that Anderson and Wise got hurt... but I'm sorry, I don't have any more patients in my heart. Lillibridge sucks.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: HI MY NAME IS JI

JIM THOME

AND HOW DO YOU DO

(This was more for Tuesday two home run performance).

Rhetorical Question of the Day: Only the Mariners are scoring runs at a slower pace than the Chicago White Sox in the American League this year. This means one of two things:

1) The Sox O isn't that good.

2) The Sox O is under achieving.

Let's look at reason #2 first.

Thome is a bit bellow last years numbers, but he's been trending down for a few seasons because he's getting old. But he isn't hurting the Sox at the moment. Jermaine Dye is having yet another Jermaine Dye season. St. Carlos of Quentin has fallen off from last year, but again, not a huge drop off and still a productive player. I'd like to see some more power form Konerko, but he's been good this year. And A.J. is hitting better than you'd expect, but nothing out of the ordinary. So the Sox 3-7 hitters have done what they've needed to do. There should be a slight improvement over the next 130 odd games.

Well we all know what comes next... the Sox #1, #2, #8, and #9 hitters are not getting it done. And the stats back it up. Fields has been getting on base but has shown almost none of the power he gave us in 2007. Alexei Ramirez has been so bad, that I think most AAA short stops would be better. Brad Lillibridge, who is only playing because of injuries to Wise and Anderson, has made me long for the days of Andy Gonzalez AND ANDY GONZALEZ WAS THE WORST BASEBALL PLAYER I'VE EVER SEEN IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES! THAT IS HOW BAD LILLIBRIDGE HAS BEEN. YET OZZIE KEEPS PLAYING HIM!!! I find it impossible to believe that the Sox don't have a better option than a guy with an OPS under .500. I could give the White Sox an OPS under .500. By all means, play Pods every day because he can't be worse than Lillibridge. It's nearly impossible.

And finally, I hate to pile on Getz, but he isn't getting on base enough. I know he's being asked a lot, but with the other guys on this team playing so poorly,

The season isn't lost. Anderson will hopefully be back soon, if for no other reason than to knock Lillibridge/Pods out of the line up. Nix looks like a ball player (more on him another day), so let's give him a week at second. And let's hope and pray Alexei Ramirez stops sucking this weekend in Canada.

People will point out that the Sox, at this point last year, had the same record. But the Sox also had a +12 run differential. They had been a bit unlucky at that point in the season. This year? The Sox record pretty accurately reflects how they've played. If they want to 'come back' this year, they need Floyd to stop pretending he's in Philly. And they need to get healthy at the plate... and again, pray that Alexei Ramirez stops sucking and Fields starts to show a little power.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - More on the Hawks later... but let's just say, bring on the Dead Wings. Bring on the Commie Bastards even if they're all Swedish now and everyone loves the Swedes...

Ugh

Sox Record: 14-16; The Sox have a -16 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and they just lost 2 of 3 at home to the Texas Rangers.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Alexei Ramirez... here's some advise... go back to Cuba.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: Mark Buehrle and his inability to suck.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: I really really really hate this team. It isn't fun. It isn't interesting. They stink. They can't score runs, then they can score runs. The Pen is okay, then the pen sucks. They can pitch one day and can't the next. It's maddening. I could see them getting how for a few weeks, but then what? I don't now what the point of this team is and it is May 11th. I have nothing to say about these bums right now.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - Let's close out this series tonight and get ready for the Wings.

After A Month... A Quick Look at the Central

Sox Record: 13-14; The Sox have a -5 run differential.

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: They're in third. Everything about the White Sox after almost 30 games screams 80-82 wins, their run differential, their run production, their pitching... there is no reason for anyone on Earth to think other wise. Stats, observation, whatever... but yet, they're in the most average division in baseball history. The Royals are off to a great start, but they're pitching is going to come back to the mean. Greinke may win the Cy Young, but his ERA is going to increase at least two runs over the next five months. There is NO CHANCE that Brian Bannister pitches at this level. None. There's a better chance that W. will be nominated by Obama to replace Souter than Bannister has an ERA under 4.00. Oh and how the fuck is this team averaging 4.9 runs a game? Let's just say that the Royals have had a really good month, and no they aren't going to go away, but this team isn't a 90 win team.

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: It's still Alexei Ramirez. I'm very, very, very mad at him.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: How about A.J. Pierzynski who is the third best catcher in the AL after a month? Where did this come from? And what the hell is going on with AL catchers hitting the shit out of the ball?

Rhetorical Question of the Day: This is when I say something about Manny... look everyone was doing 'roids. We should be surprised about anyone testing positive or coming out and saying that they did the juice. Other than Frank Thomas, Griffey, Curt Schilling, and maybe Jeter, why even both acting like we're shocked and disappointed and mad? Guess what, rock stars do drugs, movie stars do coke, and athletes do steroids. FACT.

BTW, how did ESPN not blow up this week? Within 48 hours we had Favre is coming back and then not, Manny tested positive for 'roids, and A-Rod returning to the line up. Yet ESPN is still here. How? Would Bonds saying he used 'roids along with Tom Brady retiring put it over the top?

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Blackhawks - So I make my way over with The CJ to some Loop bar because we were at some fund raiser at Millennium Park. [I know, a Little at Millennium Park! Who could have guessed it! Every time I think about that park it makes me think of Daley and I get sick to my stomach. But hey, Daley's a Sox fan so I can't get too upset.] ANYWAYS, so we make it over to a bar and it's the second period, half way though, and the Hawks are down 1-0. And for the next 26 minutes, I watch some of themost frustrating and boring hockey on Earth . To say Vancouver was happy with a 1-0 lead would be like saying those people in Coors Light commercials are kind of happy. They packed it in as if they were playing Barca at the Camp Nou (yay footie reference!).

Well that blew up in the 'Nucks face when three of 'em chased a puck along the boards, Ladd got it out to Marty, he had more room than someone with Swine Flu at a Hypochondriac convention. He buried the shot, ties the game, and even though the Hawks blue liners tried to give the game away, the 'Nucks couldn't. The Hawks go on to win in OT as Ladd deflects the puck into the net. Series tied 2-2 and the Canucks need to figure out a better plan of stopping or slowing the Hawks. It's clear the Hawks are a more talented team, but the Canucks have the better goaltender. If the Hawks ever decide to score first in any of these games, how are the Canucks going to come back? But if the Hawks don't score first, Lord knows they have trouble beating the Canucks-Five-Behind-The-Blue-Line game plan. It ain't pretty that's for sure. So for the sake of all things hockey, let the Blackhawks get out to a 1-0 lead one of these days.

An Early Loss That Really Hurts

Sox Record: 12-14; The Sox have a -11 run differential.  

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: They suck

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: That's it.  I'm done with Alexei Ramirez.  Sent him back to Cuba.  He's hitting .210, he doesn't walk, and doesn't score runs.  He's a disaster after a month of the season.  A complete and utter disaster.  We're at the point where if Brent "I shouldn't be in the majors" Lillibridge took over at short, it wouldn't even be a drop off from Alexei.  Go back to Cuba, Alexei... or start hitting.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: I've been anti-Konerko for two years now, but I've got to give the guy some props, he doesn't suck this year, he isn't killing the team, and is one of the few 'bright' spots because of this.  He's still over paid and the Sox probably couldn't give him away at this point, but he's had a nice start to the season.

I also much hate for Greg Norton during his time with the Sox about ten years ago now.  Norton air mailed more throws from third in his few seasons than I've seen in my entire life.  This is a sad story , but also one of perseverance, about Norton (now with the Braves) and his family.  Big ups to Norton and my thoughts go out to him.

Rhetorical Question of the Day: I hate to get all over the top, but that loss last night is a killer.  Yeah, we're 26 games into the season and the Sox are only 3.5 out of first and the Royals are about as daunting as Ross from friends, but it would have been really nice to not have lost two games to the Royals.  I'm not scared of the Royals, I'm not that scared of the Twins or Tigers... and the Indians slow start looks like it will be a summer long thing.  But you can't let the division get away from you.  And after two disastrous games in KC, the division could slip away if the Sox aren't careful.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever: 

Blackhawks - Wow... one of the more boring hockey games you'll ever seen.  Vancouver was more than willing to not go forward unless the Hawks allowed them.  The Hawks could never get going, including one of the worst power plays you'll ever see with about 6 minutes left in the third.  Brian Campbell, for my money, was the best Blackhawk on the ice last night.  

Lunongo played well and didn't give up too many big rebounds which was really the difference in the game.  Hawks need to come out and take it to the Canucks tomorrow night.  They cannot go down two goals, in other words, they cannot play like they have in the first three games.  I know Lunongo is the best goalie in the world and all that crap, but it would be nice if Khabibulin at least played as well as Lunongo one of these games.  I'm not blaming him, but a 'stand on his head' performance wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

I'm Starting to Hate Them...

Sox Record: 12-13

Place in the A.L. Central and Games back: Fourth and falling

Most annoying person in the Sox organization: Everyone. I hate the White Sox right now. They stink. Everyone good is hurt. Jose Contreras shouldn't have come back. They have scrubs at second, third, right, and in center. Alexei Ramirez may single handily change my policy position on Cuba (i.e. keep the embargo). Brent Lillibridge is not a major league player and I don't need 50 more at bats to prove me right.

Member of the White Sox I love the most at the moment: No one. I hate this team right now.

Number of awkward moments between Hawk and Stone: If the White Sox ever hit a home run ever again, it will be odd since Hawk will be the only guy yelling "You can put it on the board... YES!"

Rhetorical Question of the Day: The Sox have a -10 run differential.

Thoughts on the most bizarre between innings promo ever:

Bulls - I'll have more on them another day, but what a nice run they made int he playoffs. Major bummer they didn't win, but I couldn't have been more unexcited about the Bulls/Celtics series. Then I watched Game One and I was hooked. The next six games were can't miss TV, delivering only one bad game (Game 3) and five great to unbelieveable games. Considering I was at about a 13 with the Hawks, the fact that the Bulls got to 14 is probably the most mind blowing thing this year after learning that Kelly McGillis is gay.

Blackhawks - I missed most of Game One in Vancouver, but the come back only to see them give up one of the worst 3-1 odd man rushes that the Canucks capitalized on to win the game. I then didn't see a second of Game Two...

So Game Three is tonight. I'll have more on the Hawks tomorrow.