May 24, 2022
The labor strife between players and owners shortened spring
training. Many early games were postponed or played in frigid temperatures.
Despite this many teams have played ¼ of the season. This includes the White
Sox and Cubs whose seasons can be described with one word, BRUTAL!
The White Sox (21-20) have not looked like a team capable of
reaching the World Series. They trail Minnesota by four games. There is plenty
of time left so it’s not time to panic. They are a tad over .500 despite a nine
game losing streak. A double header sweep of the Yankees has cushioned the blow
of a bad start.
Like last year, the Sox have been besieged by injuries.
Before the season started Garrett Crochet needed Tommy John surgery and is out
for the year. There number one starter from last year, Lance Lynn also came up
with a sore arm and isn’t projected to back until June. Yoan Moncada missed the
first 27 games and still is trying to get back to the player he was in 2019.
The season started with pitcher Lucas Gioito got hurt after 4 innings in the
opener and missed two starts. A. J. Pollock, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez all got hurt running to first. Pollock went the
10 day IL, Robert missed 7games and Jimenez is out until sometime in June. Finally
Andrew Vaugh was having a good year until he was hit by a pitch causing him to
miss 12 games and is just getting back in the groove.
Like last year the White Sox are one of the worst defensive
team. It’s not only errors but there are a lot plays that should be made that
are ruled hits or not completing sure double plays. Winning becomes more
difficult when your opponents are getting four outs per inning In a loss,
Cleveland aided by two errors scored six runs to tie the game in the ninth and
won the game in the tenth. Tony LaRussa said they didn’t lose because of the
defense.
The Sox have had many managers including the confused Terry
Bevington and the comatose Robin Ventura. No one has been worse than LaRussa.
Managers don’t win or lose games however most know what to do to give their
team the best chance at winning. LaRussa makes many bad decisions that figure
into games. Now I could write a three page blog and it still wouldn’t cover his
blunders. I will give you a couple and move on. When a team slumping at the
plate managers like to shake up the line-up. However, anyone who would put
Leury Garcia in the third spot has to have the head examined. In a tie game the opposing pitcher is
struggling. With runners on first and second, LaRussa calls for a bunt. Taking
the bat out the hands of their best hitter the Guardians walk Tim Anderson.
The best thing the Sox have going for them is starting
pitching. Dylan Cease has developed into an elite starter. He had one hiccup
against the Yankees. He is 4-1 with a 3.09 era and leads the league in strikeouts.
Michael Kopeck last pitched seven scoreless against the Yankees and his 1.24
era is the second best in the league. When healthy Giolito can be really good
No one has a change up like his.GM Rick Hahn made a great move signing Johnny
Cueto. He’s had two starts of six
innings and has not been scored upon. When Lynn comes the Sox don’t have to
start Dallas Keuchel. The bullpen has been shaky but maybe turning the corner
as they stronger and the weather gets warmer.
The biggest problem is the White Sox aren’t hitting. Three
players in the line-up have averages below .100 . Tim Anderson. Robert and
Vaughn are the only hitters having decent years. Jose Abreu is hitting .214 but
has always been a warm weather hitter. Yasmani Grandal is hitting below.200. without the walks. LaRussa keeps him in the heart of the line-up.
Can anyone explain the fascination with Garcia ?
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