Struggle in Minnesota! Not Just the Dome!

As of July 20th, the Chicago White Sox sit at the top of the Al Central Standings 2.5 games ahead of both the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins. The White Sox have been playing great baseball as of late if you don't count the miserable 4 game series the SOX just had at Minnesota only winning 1 out of 4. Many people have said that the Twins leaving the Metrodome was a good sign for the White Sox. That the struggles in the Metrodome were over and the SOX could start redeeming themselves in Minnesota at the new Target Field. The overall record of the White Sox at the Metrodome was 88-112. Last season the White Sox were 2-14 at the Metrodome. This year the Sox are 2-4 at Target Field and 3-6 overall against the Twins this year with 9 games left against the Twins; 3 left at Minnesota. What I'm getting at here people is that it's not just a struggle in the Metrodome but a struggle in Minnesota in general.

The Minnesota Twins are the main rival of the White Sox. Every year, these 2 teams produce great baseball and are always at the thick of things in the standings. It seems to me that the White Sox always succeed at home against the Twins and the Twins always succeeding at home against the SOX. This year it's the Twins succeeding both home and away. The all time record between these 2 teams is 1063-967 with the White Sox ahead. However, the White Sox are 499-518 on the road overall against the Twins. In 2010, the White Sox continue to struggle against Minnesota. With the standings as close as it is and with teams approaching the late season stretch, the key to winning the AL Central will have to go through Minnesota. The Sox have 9 games left against the Twins. They have to win every series against them if they want to climb out as champions of the AL Central if the standing are close. They have to learn how to win in Minnesota. What happens if the AL Central goes through another playoff game and the White Sox and the Twins meet and this time the game is in Minnesota instead of Chicago? They have to win at least 2 in Minnesota for those last 3 games and continue that run in Chicago. The White Sox are too good of a team to continue struggling against Minnesota and I hope they realize it now after that miserable series this past weekend. I'm not worried about Detroit because the Sox can win both at home and at Detroit. We've never had a problem there. From my view, Minnesota is a way better team than Detroit because of their young players who have much more intensity than the players of Detroit like Mauer and Young and others.

But the White Sox have a better team than both Minnesota and Detriot because they do the little things that other teams don't and they do a good job at mixing youth with experience. Guys like Konerko, Buehrle, Jones, and Vizquel can provide experience to guys like Ramerez, Beckham, Santos, and Hudson to get the job done. As long as you can combine experience with youth and produce a new team talent to win games, the Sox should be able to find a new way to start winning in Minnesota and ultimately to win the AL Central. This team resembles the 2005 team in many ways because they play Ozzie ball and as we saw in 05, that's all you need to win a championship if you have a manager who knows the game and who can teach a team to continue to follow the fundamentals to win games. Use the "Grinder Rules" if you have to. That's what we saw in 05 and that's what we are seeing in 2010.

Trade Rumors

Well as of 7/6/10, The Chicago White Sox sit 3rd in the American League Central a game back of Detroit for 1st place. The White Sox have been battling teams hard and have been able to produce keys wins including taking 2 out of 3 from a red hot Texas club and dominating the first of 3 games games against the Angels. The team chemistry has been great; but the SOX have not been shy about getting an extra player to boost their team to the top of the AL Central. Here are some possible trade prospects the SOX could be interested in:

1. Adam Dunn 1B/DH for Washington Nationals: This guy is having a monster year on a bad team and is the #1 player being talked about in terms of being traded. He's hitting .275 with 17 HRs and 49 RBIs. Personally, I think he would fit good with the White Sox. The only problem is that if Ozzie wants to keep changing up the DH spot with Jones, Kotsay, Quentin, and Konerko, then I don't see how Dunn would fit in unless they trade Jones or Kotsay. If he comes, I expect Kotsay and some prospects to get traded. That would be my guess.

2. Jermaine Dye: FA: If the whole Adam Dunn thing doesn't work out, the SOX could bring back Dye and use him as a DH if they want to get rid of Kotsay or Jones and ship one of them off for some cash. I miss Dye and the fact that he doesn't have a job surprises me.

3. David DeJesus OF for Kansas City Royals: This guy can produce a lot of key hits that the White Sox will need in close game situations. The Red Sox need a guy like this too. It's a long shot but he might interest the SOX.

4. Jose Lopez 2B/3B for Seattle Mariners: If Teahan doesn't bounce back from injuries or if Beckham continues to struggle, the SOX might bring in this guy or Ty Wigginton for Baltimore to fill in at 3rd Base and make a run. Lopez can play both 2nd and 3rd Base. Both are solid plays and can both field and hit the ball. They would fit great in any system.

Special NBA Free Agency Blog

When the clock strikes 11:00 pm central time, the real summer begins in the NBA with one of the biggest free agency periods taking place this year. Since I am a basketball guy, I though it would only be right to give my predictions and explanations on where everyone will sign this summer:

1. Lebron James: Team He Signs With: CHICAGO BULLS: Everyone knows that Lebron is the biggest free agent out there right now. A lot of teams are in the loop to sign the 2 time NBA MVP including, Chicago, Miami, New York, New Jersey, and Cleveland. I can see where Miami would be a huge interest. They have the most cap space in the league and can sign up to 3 max contracts. And they are in South Beach. Many already see him and bosh joining forces with Wade in Miami. But in the end of the day, I have Lebron signing in Chicago. The reason for this is because the Bulls have all the pieces in place for Lebron and Bosh to sign with them and win a title. But they also have a proven point guard in Derrick Rose and that's what Lebron needs. A proven point guard that can get him the ball and make plays. Not to mention Rose can make his own plays if he wanted to. Mario Chalmers is a good point guard but nothing compared to Derrick Rose and that is why Lebron will sign with Chicago. Enough with walking in MJ's shadow. I don't believe it and no one else should. Superstars go to teams to create their own legacy. Lebron will sign because he wants to win. I don't think it's about the money at all. If it was, he'd still be in Cleveland. But it's not, so Chicago will be that team I believe. If not, hello South Beach.

2. Chris Bosh: Team He Signs With: Chicago Bulls: He obviously is the best big man available. But I see him signing with Chicago before Lebron. Bosh has said many times he does not want to be an underheighted center anymore. Well, you can cross Miami out unless Amare follows him to Miami, and you can cross New York off. The only 2 teams available are Chicago, who have Noah and New Jersey who have Brock Lopez. He obviously will sign with Chicago because they have the most talented team with Rose and a future all star in Noah there and Deng unless he is shipped out. Bosh will sign with Chicago. If that's doesn't happen, I see him and Amare both headed to South Beach. I don't feel like I have to explain much on him though.

3. Joe Johnson: Team He Signs With: NEW YORK KNICKS: He is the guy who I think will be the first to sign. And that team will be New York. But a lot of his decisions will be based on what Amare does first. Let's not forget that both Johnson and Amare were once teammates in Phoenix and played for Mike D'antoni. I think ultimately, he would want to stick with Amare wherever he goes but he would also like to play for D'antoni again. If he doesn't sign with New York. I look for him to join Wade in Miami.

4. Amare Stoudemire: Team He Sign With: Miami Heat: I believe that Amare will wait to see what Bosh does first and then do the exact opposite of what Bosh does. If Bosh signs with Miami, he'll sign with Chicago or New York. If Bosh signs with Chicago, then he'll sign with Miami, which I have him doing. I think Amare wants to win a title badly and you are not just going to do it with Joe Johnson. He needs someone else and I think Dwayne Wade is that guy. But even if Johnson were not to follow Amare, they still have Chalmers and Beasley so you never know what could happen. But honestly, he belongs in South Beach.

5. Dwayne Wade: Team He Signs With: Miami Heat: Not much to say about Wade. I think his plans to lure some superstars will work, just not the ones he had in mind. Wade stays in Miami.

6. Carlos Boozer: Team He Signs With: Utah Jazz: Boozer is a fan favorite in this year's Free Agency Class and one of the most coveted and he should be. He is very talented and would work well for a lot of teams. Most have him going to Chicago if Bosh doesn't sign there, but realistically, if he wants to win and if Chicago is not available, he should just stay in Utah which is a winning team. New York and New Jersey are question marks. I don't see him fitting into Miami's system especially if they land Johnson and Amare. It would make sense for Carlos to stay in Utah. They can probably offer him a good deal to stay money wise, and they have the weapons to make a run for a championship already. Their team is already set in Utah and it doesn't make much sense from my perspective to leave the Jazz. Stay in Utah Carlos and make a name for yourself there. If it's about the money, go to New York, New Jersey or Miami. But if it's about winning, go to Chicago or stay in Utah.

7. Dirk Nowitski: Team He Signs With: Dallas Mavericks: Not much to say. No surprise he is opting out to get more money. The reason he is doing it is because next year the NBA will be introducing a new collective bargaining agreement that could hurt future free agents' chances of making bank in the summer so it is smart to opt out now and collect if you know you can make more money. It's the smart thing to do, Dirk is smart for doing it, and he will be back in Dallas.

8. Paul Pierce: Team He Signs With: Boston Celtics: Not a smart move to opt out when you're owed 21.5 million at the end of next year. Pierce won't make anything close to that now and he will resign with Boston. But don't be surprised to hear teams like New York, New Jersey, Cleveland, and Atlanta make a pitch to him.

9. David Lee: Team He Signs With: Cleveland Cavaliers: Very underrated player at his age and would do well for any team but all the max players will be the first to go and then when it is all said and done, there will be Lee and after everything is said and done, I think Cleveland will be hurting and will be looking to add someone big and Lee is their guy. If he doesn't sign with Cleveland, look for him back in New York or look for him to sign with Oklahoma City. Yes I said it! OKC has enough to sign a positive player and Lee would fit in well there.

10. Ray Allen: Team He Signs With: Miami Heat: This is a player that is real important this summer. After all the max players are signed, teams will still be looking to load up and most teams will have enough space to sign him. Ray Allen is still a great player but he is also affordable now. Allen wants to win one more title before he retires which is why it would make sense to join up with Wade and Amare in Miami. He would start at the 2 guard and Wade at the 3. If that doesn't work, he could sign with the Bulls with Lebron and Bosh if they ship Deng out. That would really make sense in Chicago's case. If that doesn't happen, look for him to end up in Cleveland with a pretty good contract. And if that doesn't work, he is on his way back to Boston.

11. John Salmons: Team He Signs With: Cleveland Cavaliers: This is another guy who will be a key player this summer once all the max players are signed. He wants a long term extension which means more money. Milwaukee won't give him it, which is smart because I don't know why you would give a lot of money to an on and off player like him. If John is searching for a pretty good deal, he'll go to teams like Cleveland, New York, and New Jersey. Also keep in mind that Chicago hasn't denied the fact they want Salmons back. But that would only be if they traded Deng. But in the end, I see Salmons staying within the division and Cleveland offering him a pretty good contract. If not, look for him in Milwaukee, Chicago, or back in Sacramento.

12. Shaquille O'Neal: Team He Signs With: Cleveland Cavaliers: SHAQ is getting too old to move around and won't get the contract he is looking for which is why he should just stay in Cleveland. If he chooses to move on, I only see 2 teams that would want to add him if SHAQ is looking for a pretty good contract: New Jersey or Sacramento. If he just wants to win a title, a lot of teams can afford him. It's a wait and see game for him.

13. Nate Robinson: Team He Signs With: Sacramento Kings: Teams will be looking in mid July to add a point guard to the mix. If Nate wants to start, his best shot is in Sacramento where he can play along side Evans, Martin, Cousins, and Hawes. If that doesn't work, I can see him backing up Derrick Rose in Chicago with Lebron, Deng, Bosh and Noah. Time will tell though. If that's doesn't work expect him back in Boston.

All in all, I think Chicago and Miami have great summers. New York and Cleveland have OK summers, and New Jersey is left speechless this summer. Time will tell though. We shall wait and see. Please post any comments you have about where everybody will end up. Thanks for reading.

White Sox Weekly Review: 6/29/10

On the Series' against the Braves and Cubs and the up and coming series against Kansas City: It's been an excellent week for the White Sox. With a sweep of the NL East Leanding Atlanta Braves and with an excellent series against the cross-town rivals, the White Sox where able to go on an 11 game winning streak; the first since 1961 which solidifies them as a major threat in the American League. Yesterday they began a series against division rival Kansas City, who took the first game of a 3 game set. I will say that the pitching was brilliant against both Atlanta and the Cubs and the offense is really coming around. The reason I believe the SOX are finally coming around is because they are patient. They are finally having some fun. Paul Konerko put it simply: "There were times where you would just enter the clubhouse and it just wasn't fun! Now it is. All the guys, including me, are relaxed and hitting the ball and that's what you like to see". That's all it takes to win ball games. As long as you are calm and having fun, you are capable of anything and this team is a good example of what I am saying. Ignore the pressure, be calm, and have fun.

On the Pitching: The pitching was excellent this week. This is the pitching staff I've been waiting to see all year. Mark, Gavin, Jake, John, and Freddy all showed the city of Chicago why they still Believe in the White Sox. But let's not forget about that bullpen either, especially Santos, Thornton, and Jenks. If the White Sox can manage to keep all 3 healthy and pitch them in exact order (Santos, Thornton, and Jenks), then I can't see anyone disowning them. Granted Jenks is still a little shaky but he has proven that he can get the job done, as he has done in the past.

On the Offense: Finally the offense has come around! That was one of the keys the White Sox needed to focus on during that slump. How can they generate hits and keep the offense intact? Like I said before, As long as the team is calm, ignoring the pressure, and having fun, they are capable of doing anything. And this offense has certainly shown us that. The hottest player on the offensive side of the plate has been Carlos Quentin. Doesn't seem like he is bothered by that plantar fascittis injury right now. Although he is batting .233, he does have 13 HRs and 49 RBI and is generating key hits that have put the SOX in position to win ball games. Paul Konerko is another guy that has come up big. If he is not in the All star game this year, all will not be well in my house I can tell you that. And then there is Juan Pierre who is finally understanding what it means to be a lead off hitter. GET ON BASE and that is exactly what he is doing so far and he could be a threat in the future for the White Sox.

On Baby Zambrano's Meltdown: It's about time the Cub's acted on this guy. He is going to end up killing someone in the future. I watched his meltdown on TV. My father was at the game and got a good look at the mood in the Cubs' dugout. I praise Derrick Lee for confronting Zambrano and acting like the true captain he is. The funny thing is after Zambrano got suspended, he went to dinner with Ozzie the same night. The Cubs were so mad at Zambrano after that. From my view, I think what Zambrano did was right. The dinner was already planned ahead of time and Ozzie and Carlos are good friends off the diamond. You can't tell Zambrano what to do, especially if you suspended him without pay. If you suspended him with pay, then what Zambrano did on Friday night would have been wrong. I commend Ozzie for telling Carlos to be a man, apologize and move on. No one wants a $90 million contract in the middle of the year so the Cub's will have to keep him and hope to trade him at the end of the year. As long as he is not on the Southside in 2011, I'm all good. But i have a funny feeling he will be a southsider in 2011.

Conclusion: Expect great things from the White Sox here on out. They have found the rhythm they have been searching for all year. They are ignoring the pressure, remaining calm, and having fun and with all of that, they are capable of anything. Expect great things on the Southside of Chicago.

White Sox Weekly Review: 6/21/10

Well everyone, like I said before, The Chicago White Sox are starting to re-group and as of yesterday's sweep of the Washington Nationals, they are still in 3rd place in the AL Central standings 5.5 games back of Minnesota, but more importantly, they sit at.500 for the first time since early April with a 34-34 record. Now I understand that this streak of wins comes against some bad teams (Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington, including 2 out of 3 from Detroit before that); however, it was important that we won these games. The reason is because the White Sox have finally found the confidence in hitting and pitching that can help them in the future. They have the confidence to go into ball games and say to themselves "hey, I can go out there knowing I can relax, have some fun, and win ball games without that much pressure. I know I have the talent to help my team win ball games and I will not let them down. I can be consistent out there." Before that, the Sox faced a lot of pressure from the media and the city itself because they were picked as the team to beat in the Central. They had the best pitching rotation on paper and had a roster similar to the roster they had in 05 (more contact hitters than power hitters) before the start of the year. They just had trouble finding that confidence and believing in each other to win ball games together. And if you don't believe me, look at my previous blog on my player review and tell me that I didn't say Freddy Garcia was the best pitcher out of the rotation so far this year. He just won his 5th straight game and improves to 8-3 on the year. The man is relaxed because he knows he has good stuff. As a pitcher, you have to take the mound knowing that you have good stuff and that you have the confidence to remain consistent and get players out. He has that and it is certainly paying off. I especially thought that the White Sox handled Strasburg well too. Although he fanned 10 of our players, Gavin Floyd saved the White Sox with his outstanding pitching and is the reason, I believe, that the SOX won that game. Strasburg is a great up and coming pitcher, but to see him get a no decision against the White Sox, that's ok with me. It could of been a lot worse if Gavin Floyd didn't have a great pitching outing, as we are used to seeing a lot this year. Gavin is starting to come around and I hope I'm wrong about him getting traded this year. I want him to stay but I don't control the organization. But I do hope Kenny Williams is reading my blogs lol.

Now the White Sox start a big series at home against the NL East leading Atlanta Braves for a 3 game set. The Sox will send Danks, Buehrle, and Floyd to the mound to face Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe, all who have won 7 or more games this year. I expect the SOX to take 2 out 3 from Atlanta at home, then a possible sweep of the CUBS, and then hopefully 2 out 3 from Kansas City. Atlanta will be a tough opponent for the White Sox, but it's the right opponent that the White Sox need to challenge their confidence. Please leave any comments and share what you think about the progress of the Chicago White Sox so far.

Should Ozzie be fired or not?

So the rumors swirling around the streets of the southside consist of Ozzie Guillen, manager of the SOX, getting ready to be fired after the cubs-sox series. Well those rumors were turned down by Jerry Reinsdorf today after he said Ozzie will not be fired. The reason the rumor started was because the relationship between Ozzie and Kenny Williams was deteriorating. Reinsdorf addressed those rumors stating that instead of Williams firing Ozzie, Williams must repair his relationship with Ozzie instead. Now I personally believe that Ozzie is a great manager. A manager is supposed to be a person who shows responsibility and enthusiasm in the clubhouse. He is also supposed to motivate his players to believe in themselves and that they can get the job done and that is what Ozzie does. Probably better than guys like Torre and LaRusa and Valentine. There has been a lot of problems in the clubhouse this year but they are starting to regroup and have gone on a monster run. I'm glad Ozzie is staying and I hope is around for years to come. He is the manager the SOX need.

2010 Season and Roster Review: 6/15/10

Well everyone, we are halfway in June and the Chicago White Sox sit 3rd in the AL Central standings at 28-34, 7.5 games back of rival Minnesota.It has been a pretty bad season according to many, and I will agree as well. Many people also seem to think that the season is already over and the White Sox should rebuild for next year. Well I have a message for all those people: IT'S NOT OVER!. The White Sox are only 7.5 out and they are not even at the all star break yet. There are still plenty of chances to climb back in this thing. The key to fulfilling that goal will have to circle around the offense. We need to score runs and hit the ball! Simple as that! Who cares about hitting as many home runs as you can. Play smart ball. Play Ozzie Ball. Make contact with the ball and draw base hits. That will produce runs and this is a team that can certainly do it. When we talk about pitching, it has been OK. It got off to a rough start in the beginning but has regrouped ever since. I will say that Gavin Floyd has been a disappointment this year but he is young and still has a bright future. He will snap out of it. Peavy also has been a disappointment this year but you'll here more about it in my player review. Speaking of player review, here it is(including a review on Ozzie and Coop):

C #12 A.J. Pierzynski: Here is a guy that many have considered loyal to the organization and I agree. He has contributed a lot. He is considered a leader by example in the clubhouse and Ozzie certainly loves him. AJ has been the talk of a lot of trade talks this year. He hasn't had the season that many expected him to have. I will say his mechanics have gotten a whole lot better though and he is able to throw the ball to second a whole lot better than he used to. Going back to trade rumors, most say he is gone before the deadline. The no-trade clause in his contract just clicked in meaning he has a say in trade destinations and what not. But fans here me out, AJ is not going anywhere as long as the Sox feel that Tyler Flowers(13 HR, 36 RBI in Triple A) is not ready to make the move from Triple A to the big stage. You can't expect Ramon Castro to carry the load behind the plate all year with Donny Lucy as his back-up. Tyler will be ready soon but AJ will stay the rest of the year at least. And it would be a smart move by the SOX to keep AJ with team, especially if they are still in contention.

1B #14 Paul Konerko: What a year my favorite player is having. 3rd in the AL in HR with 17 and 5th in the AL in RBIs with 46. This man is clearly been one of the best in the league this season. The only problem I have is that although he his having one of the best seasons of his career, this is also his contract year which means he is a free agent next season. This is all speculation but I believe that he could be playing this well because he wants a lot of money next year. That's how a lot of major league players his age handle things. They are worried there game has gone to hell and that management will get the best of their contract. Is he playing well to focus on a big contract for next year? Probably. Is he playing this well to help his team win another title? Of course! Paul Konerko is the captain of that team! He is a leader. He loves the White Sox and he will do anything to help this team succeed! He has also been involved in alot of trade rumors. I believe that he will stay with the team no matter what the circumstance is. He is a huge veteran in that organization and they are not just gonna dump him like that. Paul Konerko will stay with the SOX for the rest of the year and then resign with the SOX. I'm a strong believer in that.

2B #15 Gordon Beckham: Many say this guy has been the biggest disappointment in the SOX clubhouse this year. I got a message for all those fans: WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?! Did you expect him to be one of the top hitters in the the AL and possibly the league? If you thought that, then you need to sit down and re-think some stuff. Of course I expected this to happen to Gordon in terms of struggling in the season. The fact of the matter is that the White Sox brought him up too early. He was brought up because the SOX were struggling with Josh Fields. The guy was a disaster and the SOX felt that bringing in Gordon would solve all their problems and he did for some of them. Not all of them. He did have a pretty good job last year but I did expect him to struggle a lot. The SOX made a big mistake in listening to the hype that surrounded this kid. There is a reason Gordon was in the minors for a while and the SOX did a great job at monitoring him and keeping thing patient within the system but they listened to the hype and brought him up. I hope the SOX don't make the same mistake with Tyler Flowers and Jordan Danks. My belief is that if the SOX are not in contention after the All Star break, send Gordon to Triple A and help him develop more. He is not a good infielder and the SOX need to help him out with that. Screw the whole moving to shortstop thing. FORGET THAT!! He will make just as many errors if he was at shortstop. He's young and he will help the SOX win games in the future. Just not now. If the SOX are in contention come after break, you're stuck with him and hopefully he realizes how important he is to the team.

SS #10 Alexei Ramirez: One word comes to mind when you think about Alexei: CLUTCH! Just not the past 2 seasons lol. Alexei has struggled at the plate most of the time but has come up big in some occasions. He has hit 24 RBI's this season. In the field, he will stay at shortstop because Gordon Beckham doesn't have a prayer in taking that shortstop position this year. Now if Gordon produces in the field, then next year we could see a swap with Gordon and Alexei and I think Ozzie will be ready to do that. Let's face it, Alexei was way better at second base and does have a cannon but it seems like Alexei is relaxed at second base. It will be interesting to see what Ozzie does with Alexei next season but for now, he remains the starting shortstop for the club.

3B #23 Mark Teahen: This guy is one of my favorites. He is the type of guy that can generate hits for the White Sox. I hate the fact that he is injured. I miss him in the lineup. He has 35 hits this year and a slugging percentage of .387. That's pretty good to me. I can't wait to see him back in the lineup. He is good example of how to play Ozzie ball the right way.

LF #1 Juan Pierre: Not a bad year for Juan. He has 60 hits on the year so not a bad year but I expect better out of him. You have a big responsibility being a team's lead off hitter. You are expected to get on base a lot. Juan needs to do a better job at that and he will. Just give him time. Not to mention, he does a pretty good job at stealing lol. Expect Juan to do better in July. I will say however that I miss Scotty Pods and I wish he was still here but Ozzie and Kenny run the show and if they say Juan is the guy, then he is the guy. Nothing else to say about that. Just have faith in it and have faith in his fielding because that's as good as you are going to get. I don't like him as a fielder and he can barely throw the ball to a cut off man but we just have to deal with it.

CF #51 Alex Rios: To me, Alex Rios is the 1998 version of Albert Belle. Remember in the 1998 Season when McGwire and Sosa were battling in the great home run chase in 1998. Well Albert Belle was right behind them. He hit 49 home runs that year but he didn't really get recognized that much for his accomplishments. That is Alex Rios to me. He always puts up big numbers but is never really recognized for it. Now granted, he was on the Toronto Blue Jays for a while so that didn't help his case but now he is with the SOX and should be recognized. He is batting over .300 with 13 HR and 31 RBI. He is having a good year and should be recognized for his accomplishments from the past.

RF #20 Carlos Quentin: This is a guy who was supposed to be the best player on this White Sox Roster. He was supposed to be the main guy on this roster. Unfortunately for Quentin, he has struggled this year. He has struggled at the plate and in the field since the move to right field. I'm going to tell you this, and I hope I'm wrong, but it's going to continue. Carlos has been plagued by injuries but one particular injury that he had last year was plantar fasciitis. Let me tell all of you this. This is not an injury that will just go away. This is an injury that always has the habit of coming back whether a player likes it or not and it will for Carlos. It has and still is bothering Carlos. It has affected his ability to swing the bat and play the field and will always affect him for the rest of his life. Carlos will have to find another way to swing the bat and play the field if he ever wants to get back to his 2008 version.

OF/DH #25 Andruw Jones: This man is having a great year compared to his last 2 seasons. I have a feeling he is getting back to his old form when he was with the Braves. Maybe not his best form but a good form. I must say that in the off season, I thought we were doomed when we signed Andruw, but he proved myself and a bunch of others wrong. He needs to pick it up though. He is only batting .211 and that's the sort of stuff Ozzie doesn't like. He likes players that can hit and Andruw needs to start making that happen again. But all in all, a good season for Andruw. Keep it up.

OF/1B/DH #7 Mark Kotsay: Not a bad year for a guy who has been under a lot of pressure from SOX nation. The fans wanted him out but Ozzie stuck with him and he has provided key hits that have won ball games. If the SOX are in contention late in the year, I believe Kotsay is the man Ozzie can use for key hits. I definitely like him as a player and would take him on my staff any day of the week. I don't care about his age, the man can still hit and that's what you need to win ball games. GOOD HITTERS!

C #27 Ramon Castro: A solid back-up behind AJ. He is reliable in certain situations and that's what this club needs. I will say that I'd prefer Donny Lucy or Ramon because he knows how to swing a bat but just swinging a bat is not gonna get you in the majors so the SOX will have to stick with Ramon until Tyler Flowers is ready for the call up.

IF #11 Omar Vizquel: I thought of nothing special when the SOX signed this guy and I still don't. But Omar can still hit at age 43 so he may be of some sort of help but not much. He is however, a valuable fielder right now since Teahen is out but after that, I just don't know.

IF #5 Jayson Nix: This is another guy. Other than playing the field, which he has done a great job filling in for Mark at 3B, I don't see him as a special person at the plate. He can help in the field but not at the plate. Maybe for certain situations, he can, but nothing else. But I can see why Ozzie wants to stick with Jayson. He plays with heart and that is a valuable thing on any team from my point of view.

SP #56 Mark Buehrle: Started the season struggling but has regrouped in some sort of way. He is 4-6 right now as of 6/15/10. I always liked Buerhle and he is always going to be the #1 pitcher on this SOX rotation. He works fast and he works well. BUT, I think he is distracted with a very stupid subject. Mark has always talked about playing for his hometown Cardinals, even in the middle of the year. Mark, I hate to bash you, but STOP talking about it! Talk about it at the end of the year. Not during the season. Focus on winning baseball games because honestly, the winning is not on your side right now buddy. Be a leader for your team. Now Mark now has a no-trade clause in his contract and has been talked about as possible trade bait. It ain't gonna happen. Not this year at least. The SOX need a guy like Mark and Mark needs a team like the SOX to help with his great career and I believe the SOX and Mark will continue that relationship in the near future.

SP #44 Jake Peavy: Disappointed but not surprised. This is Jake's first full season in Chicago and first in the AL. The AL is a different league. It is way better and more challenging. Of course Jake is going to struggle in the beginning. He will pick himself up. No worries at all. He will be a dominate pitcher soon enough again.

SP #34 Gavin Floyd: Very disappointed with this guy. I thought he would be the ace of the staff this year. Very disappointed. He is 2-7 with a 5.64 ERA. But he is still young and has a whole lot to prove. Unfortunately for him, I think he will get traded this year whether or not the SOX are in contention or not. He'll probably be traded for a mid level guy or part of a superstar trade or even just traded for minor leaguers but his time with the SOX is almost up I believe. If he is not and the SOX want to stick with him, Gavin might be willing to accept an assignment to the minors to work on his control and mechanics and to re-group mentally. He is young and there is nothing wrong with doing that sort of thing and that's the thing I would recommend for Gavin. Otherwise, look for Gavin on the trading block this year.

SP #50 John Danks: He has been the second best pitcher in the rotation this year and is doing all the stuff that is expected of him. Not much to say about him. All I can say is keep it up John.

SP #43 Freddy Garcia: The #1 pitcher on the staff right now. Freddy has surprised me. I never thought he would be the same but he has proved a lot of people wrong and has been a work horse on the mound. Granted the ERA is not where it should be but he is 6-3 non the less. Many people, including my father, hate Freddy because he takes to long on the mound to get ready. I got a message for Freddy: Don't listen to that stuff. Keep doing what you are doing because it is paying off. Keep it up Freddy.

RP #45 Bobby Jenks: HE GONE! Bobby will get traded this year and if not, he won't be back in the off season. Enough with the 9th inning drama and allowing runs. He does it all the time. He's lost it. The closer roll is Matt Thorton's job to win. Sorry Bobby but not that many people want you on the Southside and unless you pick it up and concentrate, you've lost it buddy.

RP #37 Matt Thornton: The best left handed set-up pitcher in the league and one of the best set-up pitchers overall in the league. He is having a great year. Like I said, he will be the new closer soon enough. He just has to be patient and has to keep doing what he does best and that's strike people out.

RP #40 J.J. Putz: Having an OK year. He can definitely be used as a closer if Bobby is in trouble. Not much to say about him. But he will get the job done when called upon. Been the subject of trade rumors but I think he will stay and be the new set-up man behind Thornton or even share it with Santos.

RP #46 Sergio Santos: This guy has a very bright future ahead of him. He is proving to be a dominate pitcher in the big leagues and no one should shy away from this kid. He will be a big threat someday as a closer, I guarantee you that. If Bobby gets shipped out, I wouldn't be surprised if he is Thornton's new set-up man or if he competes for the closers job. He does have that ability and he will be a closer for a major league team in the future. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if he is offered up as trade bait if the SOX are looking to add another big-time player if they are in contention. That's the problem that you have to face if you are an up and coming player in the big leagues. If your team is in contention and you are in the thick of things (not that good and not that bad), then you could be used as trade bait. That's what we saw with Clayton Richards last year and we could see the same happen to Sergio. We'll just have to wait and see if the SOX are contenders before the trading deadline, which I'm sure they will be.

RP #71 Scott Linebrink: He has kind of been off and on and the SOX are trying to trade him. 2 problems though. Nobody wants Linebrink alone so he may have to be included with other players in a trade if the SOX were make one. The other problem and a reason that nobody wants Scott is because he is owed $3 million at the end of this year plus another $5 million at the end of next year. No team would want an off and on pitcher like Linebrink with that contract unless you were the Yankees or the Redsox and I don't see both teams making a run for Linebrink anytime soon so the SOX are stuck with him for the time being.

RP #57 Tony Pena: Not the best of years but the Sox still need him to maintain the stability in the bullpen and until the time is right, Tony Pena is the man the SOX need in that bullpen.

RP #67 Randy Williams: He is more like a transfer pitcher. Could see more trips to Triple A later on in the year if guys like Jhonny Nunez, Carlos Torres, and Daniel Hudson start making a splash.

M #13 Ozzie Quillen: Ozzie is doing a fine job keeping this team intact despite their struggles. He is being patient and that's what a ball club needs from it's manager right now. Just guide them patiently and let them handle the rest. If the offense doesn't come around soon though, there may be problems. But I think it will pay off soon enough. And I give him an A+ every year for bashing Cubs fans. They are pretty stupid. OZZIE BEING OZZIE!

PC #21 Don Cooper: There has been a lot of speculation that Don Cooper's reign as pitching coach of the Chicago White Sox is almost up. Personally, I don't know how I feel about it. I mean, yes the pitching has gotten off to a rough start. But they are starting to regroup a little so I don't think the SOX will fire him. Now if they do, the reason will be because of the Bullpen struggles and the Struggles of Gavin Floyd and Jake Peavy. To blame Coop on the struggles of Peavy is not fair at all and I don't blame Coop for that. But unfortunatley we live in a society where it is easy to put the blame on someone else easily. Peavy was supposed to be great this year and he hasn't so far. So someone has to take the blame on the early struggles and it's Don. Personally, no one is to blame but Jake. But the rest of the struggles speak for itself. Floyd is not where he should be and the bullpen has one of the worst team ERA's combined in the league. Pretty soon it's going to be time for a change and DON Cooper could be on the hot seat soon. We'll just have to wait and see.

I think that the SOX will be in contention for the Division down the road this year. I will not give up on this team because there is just too much talent to let anything slip by. Yes they got off to a slow start but they are regrouping it looks like so I expect them to start picking up the pace soon enough. Granted, they are starting to pick up the pace against some bad teams but I think they will be fine.

Please continue to tune in as I give my thoughts on the progress of the Chicago White Sox weekly as well as giving you my thoughts on any other news and opinions that have to do with the SOX. And feel free to comment on anything that may interest you about my postings. Thanks

Greetings

Hey Everyone! My name is Jim. This is my first post on my brand new Chicago White Sox blog. As you can see above, The title pretty much explains who I think Chicago's Favorite Team is on the baseball side. As a young boy, my father would always take me to White Sox games. The first game I went to was Opening Day at Comiskey Park on Apirl 13th, 1992 against the Seattle Mariners. I will never forget that day. After the game, I fell in love with the organization. Now granted, it was the first professional game that i had witnessed, but i fell in love with the team. This organization is all about pride and passion and it certainly grabbed my attention. Now if you talk to most of my close friends, they will tell you that I am the basketball guy in the group. Basketball is by far my favorite sport and I am a huge Chicago Bulls fan as well, even after the post dynasty breakup. I went to my first Bulls game in December of 1992 at the old Chicago Stadium. That's when my future in sport started to become a reality in the years to come. If you ask my friends, they will probably tell you that I would take a bullet for the sport (probably not though lol). That's how much passion I have for the sport and the Bulls. But I also have the same passion for the Chicago White Sox and maybe a little bit more, especially after winning the 2000 Central Division Title and the 2005 World Series. My top 5 players of all time are Frank Thomas, Ray Durham, Robin Ventura, Paul Konerko, and Mark Buehrle. But I look forward in the weeks to come to offer my clear views of The Chicago White Sox and why I think they are Chicago's favorite team.