Sox can't give tuckered-out Cubs a respite
Watching the White Sox churn through interleague play this season reminds me of Good Will Hunting's story arc. They've lost the first game of all five series against National League teams, and every time they show some brilliance, they feel compelled to force you to lower all expectations. Why don't you leave them alone, huh? They're nothing special. Maybe you have the problem, man.
But if they really didn't want to be hassled, he wouldn't solve impossible problems on chalkboards. And the White Sox wouldn't be 9-6 against the National League in spite of themselves.
Basically, I'm guessing we aren't turning the corner until somebody starts crying. And if the Sox show up flat against the Cubs in the opener of the final interleague series, it may start as soon as this afternoon.
The Cubs are coming off a series with the Giants that's reminiscent of the White Sox-Royals clusterhump last August. They played a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday, followed by two walk-off Cubs victories on Wednesday and Thursday, the latter of which required 12 innings of bullpen work because Carlos Zambrano left in the second with back spasms. Aside from Chris Carpenter and Kerry Wood, the entire bullpen is gassed.
Better yet for the White Sox, they'll face the struggling Randy Wells (one quality start in his last six), while Edwin Jackson is coming off a quality June in every respect except wins.
Part of the reason why the Sox are so frustrating this season is because they squander such opportunities - case in point, their 1-4 0-4 record against the Minnesota Twins thus far. The refusal to accept momentum has resulted in a weeks-long search for The Game Where They Turned The Corner.
This game actually has the makings of one. If the White take the opener, they'll be within one game of .500 and putting pressure on the other team for the change. Dropping this game puts the Sox back on their heels, which is the position they've assumed for most of June. Somehow, they finished the month 14-11.
That's admirable in a way, because it does illustrate that the Sox have some resolve. But it still feels like they're contending by accident, and the only way to change that perception is to grab a series by the ears once in a while. Today would be as good a day as any.
Ozzie Guillen will probably never be nicer to Wrigley Field than he is right here.
Adam Dunn will start in one of the three games at Wrigley. More interestingly, he'll bat third when the silly season ends, as Guillen will attempt to convince him the first three months never happened. At this point, I don't see why not.
This is terrible. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Willie and Trey Harris.
81 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
i think ozzie was inspired by colin's article
Jim Thome sponsor(s) this page.
Highly underrated, Mark Kotsay became the best defensive designated hitter in American League history in 2010.
by onlysoxfaninbasel on Jul 1, 2011 7:14 AM CDT reply actions
Poor Willie!
Besides Uribe, Lil Willie is probably the 2005 player I’ve followed and rooted for the most since leaving the Sox.
2011 WhiteSox Baseball: we're all in
Indeed....very sad to read this kind of news.
If you chase two rabbits both will escape!
by JofpGallagher on Jul 1, 2011 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions
i dont think willie was on the 2005 team
by ceverettsdinosaurs on Jul 1, 2011 7:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Interesting.
Who scored the winning run in Game #4 in the WS?
by winningugly on Jul 1, 2011 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Damn, my bad.
Should have let myself wake up fully before posting. My apologies OznCoop
by ceverettsdinosaurs on Jul 1, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions
When Geoff Blum hit the 14th inning HR against the 'stros
I remember the announcers making a big deal about Willie Harris putting up 4 fingers, indicating group 4, the group of bench players who would get the batting cage at the same time.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jul 1, 2011 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
there's a joke in there somewhere...

It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
i dont think willie was on the 2005 team
by ceverettsdinosaurs on Jul 1, 2011 7:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i hope this is sarcasm
because he scored the gw run for the sweep
Just second best.....
by pierzynskirules on Jul 1, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Dunn to third
I was thinking that Ozzie should move him up in the order a couple days ago, with the pretense of Konerko and Quentin providing protection and Dunn’s ability to draw walks to add a base runner ahead of those two.
Jim...we are (pain...pain...increases with the words)...we are yet to beat the Twins this season
Unless the 1-4 record vs Minnesota you mentioned above counts the postponed game as the “1”…
If you chase two rabbits both will escape!
Jim, you see this, all this shit?
It’s not your fault
It was then I realized vegans can’t be trusted
by Scotty Ballgame on Jul 1, 2011 8:21 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ha.
Durp.
Whales! Squids! Sharks! They're everywhere! Hello, I am Poseidon! Now, when people told me I was crazy that thinly sliced roast beef would be a delicious fast-food option, I knew it was the greatest idea, and you can thank me later for Arby's.
by Jim Margalus on Jul 1, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
"But it still feels like they're contending by accident..."
Perfect!
2011 Chicago White Sox: “Contending By Accident”
A most worthy successor to:
1983 Chicago White Sox: “Winning Ugly”
Beware the cure isn't worse than the disease
I too, publicly offer my regrets to Willie Harris and his family
It makes me absolutely sick thinking about how grief-stricken he must be.
This.
Miscarriages are awful.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
My mom had one.
Nadir of my parents marriage.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
How late was it?
Didn’t read the article except “details were not released”. If it was 3rd trimester it’s not really a “miscarriage” at that point.
Even though my marriage is toast I thank the Lord every day for the health of my daughter. A gift, to be sure.
by winningugly on Jul 1, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
at five months
you have already projected hopes and aspirations onto the child, the mother has already bonded with the thought of its future.
The wife of a very good friend of mine has miscarried twice, and is currently in the first trimester of another pregnancy. They're close to being out of the woods, but
the emotional roller coaster they’re on right now is something I can’t imagine.
"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers
I have way too many stories to tell about friends/families and their experiences.
Hug the ones you got, man.
Indeed.
"That might be how you roll at Camp Anawanna, Budnick. But where I come from, we only salute Old Glory." -moroots on May 23rd
by South Side Expat on Jul 1, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
A good friend of mine lost her baby at six months along; but worse than that and also more common that people realize, her sister died giving birth about ten years ago now.
"he's a fan favorite because the combined fanbases of the other 29 teams dwarf ours and they love him" billyok, on Pierre
by homesickalien on Jul 1, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I read the phrase "moving Dunn back to third" and nearly suffered an aneurysm.
"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers
Heading to the game tomorrow in the place that shall remain nameless.
First time in the bleachers & I hope the Sox hit 10 HR’s out there & I catch every damned one. Because, there will be NO BALLS thrown back!
No time for a letdown. A sweep could do wonders.
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Voldemort Field?
White Sox 2011: The season of extraneous body parts.
by greenlight on Jul 1, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
the only brooms that'll apppear are by the Sox on Sunday (I HOPE!!!)
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Only if you consider
Target and Wal-Mart to be the same thing.
"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers
I'll be there too.
Stay strong in the struggle, my brother.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I shall
it’s going to be nuts. My daughter turns 21 that day too. BTW, she’s a nameless team fan. UGH! This could get ugly…
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
seems she was raised incorrectly then
"I wonder if converting Peavy to a closer role would be best? Help keep him healthy and help solidify the pen a bit." - Bent Over Beckham
yep, and I can only blame myself
and the Sox for blocking TV games in my area in the late 80’s early 90’s. Damned near turned me too. Stupid move by the Sox. Still pisses me off to this day.
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Your daughter is turning 21 in Wrigleyville the day of a crosstown game?
That ends well.
"That might be how you roll at Camp Anawanna, Budnick. But where I come from, we only salute Old Glory." -moroots on May 23rd
by South Side Expat on Jul 1, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
full day of debauchery
I’ll say this, if when the Sox win, I’ll be incorrigible. Probably piss her off (and many other nameless fans). Oh well, a win is a win, right?
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
I'm appalled at how polite this comment is.
The guy gets married and suddenly goes soft – figuratively and literally. From what TP tells me, anyway…
"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers
by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
A sweep against the Cubs
would certainly make me feel more optimistic.
White Sox 2011: The season of extraneous body parts.
2 of 3 is fine.
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
Sweep makes us .500.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Erm, over.
Wow.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Even the worst team in the world rarely gets sweep at home
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
and shocked too!
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
There's gambling in this establishment?!
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
This weekend is important for us meatballs who think beating the Cubs is the be all end all
But this next homestand is important if we actually want to be in the playoffs. Let’s satisfy both urges and win this series and go 16-3 against the AL Central foes.
3 things in life I care about
Sox, Colts, and Hawks.
Lifetime banners: '05, '07, '10
This. Our division is a hodgepodge of
midgets, guys with no arms and morons. Let’s start kicking their asses, please.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Didn't your mother ever teach you that it's not polite to beat up dwarfs, nuggets and tards?
Jesus Christ, dude!
"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers
by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, but since we're one of the tards, it's okay.
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
lets not forget how much work our bullpen just performed as well
"I wonder if converting Peavy to a closer role would be best? Help keep him healthy and help solidify the pen a bit." - Bent Over Beckham
80 games to be 4 better than Detroit?
Both team have 80 games left.
White Sox
Opponents win % .482
42 home, 38 away
Detroit
Opponents win % .475
38 home, 42 away.
12 vs each other left 6 home – 6 road
Poetry?
A prolonged winning streak would be nice but its probably not necessary. Just win series.
A lot has gone wrong so far so besides some series reinforcements for the Tigers the division is still quite winnable. Especially with the pitching staff.
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
serious reinforcements.
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
I'm going to get #*@& thrown at me for small sample size but
Wednesday night’s gamble that paid off (manna from right field)
AND
the comeback yesterday from a 3-nil deficit
have me feeling that a solid performance against the Cubs means that we’re beginning to watch a different WSox team. Add Tank warfare to our arsenal and we’ll soon be talking about bandwagons rather than booing.
White Sox 2011: The season of extraneous body parts.
You know with yesterday's SSS, JP isn't going no place, right?
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
LETS KICK SOME CUBBIE ASSESSSSS WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
FUCK THEM AND THEIR FANS AND THEIR TERRIBLE BALLPARK… I HATEEEEEE THEMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Im not even drunk.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
by KenWo4LiFe on Jul 1, 2011 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I pray for Willie
We lost a baby twice in the last 12 months. Once last year after 18 weeks and again this year, after 13 weeks. My wife is still recovering from it. My best buddy who was expecting around the same time, just had a son this Tuesday. It’s a bitter sweet feeling knowing the 17th was our expected date….
May the Lord give strength to Willy H. I’m sorry I went on my own tangent. I just sucks to hear it happening to anyone.
My (anonymous Internet) condolences to you and your wife.
I hope you guys are able to make your peace with that, as sad and awful as it must be.
by FlyingSpaghettiMonster on Jul 1, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
My condolenses...
AJ Pierzynski: You have to want to catch.
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Jul 1, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
No need to apologize
You have my (& all SSS) profound sympathies.
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we have a full tank of gas, 1/2 pack of cigarettes...it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
Re: Harris -This is a terrible situation and my condolences to the Harris family
but I’m going to ask that we end this subject off the front page. I know each of us have been affected personally or know someone who has but its probably not the best discussion for here.
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun
And this is meant with the most sincere respect.
"Rooting for the Twins is just a roundabout way of rooting for a first-round playoff bye for the Yankees." by big_fun

by 























