Through Sunday, the Chicago White Sox rank fourth in the American League Central Division with a 10-13 record. Second-year manager Robin Ventura’s club has so far lived up to many media outlets’ predictions of a third, fourth or even last-place finish in 2013, just a year after the South Siders spent 117 days in first place.
The good news for White Sox fans is that it is still very early. A look at what has been good, what has been bad and what has been ugly for the Sox so far this season:
The Good
As a group—and discarding the wins category—the pitching has been very good. The staff has a 3.49 ERA, third best in the league, and the fourth fewest runs allowed. In the bullpen, closer Addison Reed has been the most impressive. The 24-year-old closer is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 12 strikeouts in eleven innings. Most importantly, he is a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities. The Californian looks even more determined than last season, when he saved 29 games.
Two-fifths of the starting pitching has been excellent. Jose Quintana has reverted to his first-half form from last season and Jake Peavy has gained more arm strength since last year, his first full season since 2010 surgery to reattach the latissimus dorsi muscle to his pitching shoulder. He has also gained even more fervor talking to and often scolding himself on the mound like a madman, which is evidence of his desire for perfection and victory, however manic it may seem from the outside.
Some hitters have had success. Right fielder Alex Rios came out of spring training swinging a hot piece of lumber, but he has cooled off a little as of late. Rios’ .282 average complements his team-leading six home runs, four stolen bases, eleven walks and 46 total bases.
Third baseman Conor Gillaspie has been a pleasant surprise, though fans wish an injury to Gordon Beckham were not necessary to give Gillaspie an everyday lineup spot. His .315 average is tops on the club, a good clip ahead of shortstop Alexei Ramirez’s .284 mark. Despite a slow start, first baseman Paul Konerko has begun to do his job at the plate and leads the team with 12 RBI.
The Bad
The main problem for the White Sox right now is their defense. The 2012 version of the White Sox was in first place for so long largely because of the ability to catch the ball and not throw it away. The 2013 team has already gifted a couple of games to opponents by committing errors and making mental mistakes with the ball.
The type of deflation coming from fielding mistakes can carry over to the batter’s box, and the White Sox have indeed had their fair share of troubles at the dish. They rank last in the American League with 80 runs scored to go along with a matching league-worst 50 walks and .280 OBP.
Catcher Tyler Flowers, with the big offensive shoes of AJ Pierzynski to fill, was hot to start the season but cooled off very quickly. Now batting a paltry .186, he is only worsted by Adam Dunn’s .134 average.
Some pitchers have struggled. Opening day starter Chris Sale had an eight-run outing against Cleveland and ostensible lefty specialist Donnie Veal has not gotten the lefties out with the same consistency he did last year.
The Ugly
Injuries, injuries, injuries.
The White Sox began the season without 2012 opening day starter John Danks and will have to do without him and recently injured Gavin Floyd. Second baseman Gordon Beckham, who had been batting .316, broke the hamate bone in his wrist and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Backup infielder Angel Sanchez followed almost immediately with a strained lower back. Left fielder Dayan Viciedo, who always takes a violent hack, strained his left oblique muscle.
The Outlook
The White Sox still have a chance. They need to get back to doing the little things right to win games until they get some key contributors back completely healthy and ready to produce results.
It will take some work, maybe even a miracle with the Detroit Tigers and their big boppers in the division, but Ventura’s guys showed last year what they are capable of: being a first-place team.
Tim Carroll
Sports Contributor