The news of the day is not that the Sox have swept their first series in Minneapolis since 2004, or that Alex Rios has decided to adjust his batting stance (5-for-8) now rather than the offseason since I called him out on it days ago, or that Jake Peavy seems to be getting his arm strength back to a Peavy-like level. That’s not the news, the news is the White Sox have figured out how to beat their division again, and the opposition should be worried.
Since the All-Star break the Sox have gone 10-4, the only real blemish in their division is the bad series they played in Kansas City, other then that they’ve been nearly perfect. They’re 4-2 against the Tigers, 2-0 against the Indians, and 3-0 against the Twins. Not too shabby for a team that could not beat any of those teams except the Indians in the first half. If the Sox can keep their winning ways within the division they definitely have a chance of sneaking up on the Tigers and winning this thing.
The Sox had 48 games to play against the AL Central in the second half, if they can maintain their current pace they would finish an impressive, 34-14, and that could be enough to win the division. The Sox will play 25 games against the AL Central in September including two-doubleheaders, and of the 34 remaining games, 18 of those will be played at US Cellular Field.
The other good news is while the Sox epically failed against the Red Sox and Yankees they have a very favorable schedule outside of the division, with four against Baltimore this week, two against the Angels, three against the Seattle, and three against the Blue Jays. Their toughest opponent is the Texas Rangers who they’ll play host to for a three game series, Aug. 19 – 21.
The funniest thing about all this is I was probably a little premature on pronouncing the season over on August 4, but hey baseball’s a funny game and the Sox looked pathetic against the Yankees. The Sox have sucked me back in and have reinstated my optimism for the season. Hopefully it will not be a waste of time. GO SOX!!!!
I’m sure the Sox were victorious in the two extra games you created in your vivid imagination (I’m sure they’re undefeated in there), but the Sox are only 4-2 versus the Tigers since the break, not 6-2. Draw your arbitrary lines where ever you want to make you feel better, but here are the facts: Sox are 5-7 vs. the Tigers, 5.5 games behind the Tigers, 3 games below .500, and in 3rd place.
Oh sh#t! I was thinking they played six times. I’ll fix that and you’re going to lose the division.
Whatever, I’m sure you’ll change your mind again after the Sox lose tonight.
You seem really riled-up for a first place team. Nervous as you wait for the usual second half collapse to happen, again? The Tigers never being able to deliver since they re-established themselves in 2006, and lost to the worst team to ever play in the World Series?
It’s just a matter of time.
No, I’m just worried about you. Your violent mood swings are concerning me and you’re really struggling with facts today. #1: I’m not on the team, just a fan. #2: I said the Giants were the worst team since the Cardinals to win a World Series — never said the Cardinals (or the Giants, for that matter) were the worst teams to ever play in it.
You’re the one who’s angry. #1 – Comment makes no sense #2 – The Cardinals were the worst team to win a World Series, there’s never been a team with less regular season wins (except for the partial ’81 strike season.) Tigers lost to that? HA!
Wow, you’re all over the place. Denial, confusion, disorientation, false realities, living in the past to escape reality… time for some Lithium.
Are you replying to another thread or just being a Major League Asshole at this point, oh wait, never mind.
Well-placed “Nevermind” after my “Lithium” reference — nice!
We’ve been agreeing way too much lately so it was well past time to stir the pot.