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Around SBN: The Most Dangerous Division in Sports

Sox can't give tuckered-out Cubs a respite

The Sox couldn't beat Carlos Zambrano, but maybe they can use Zambrano's early exit on Thursday to help beat the Cubs.

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.

Star-divide

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.

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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

by OznCoop on Jul 1, 2011 7:23 AM CDT reply actions  

Jerry Owens.

"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers

by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 9:30 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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 1:38 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.

by Barold on Jul 1, 2011 7:45 AM CDT reply actions  

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!

by JofpGallagher on Jul 1, 2011 7:49 AM CDT reply actions  

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  

"If the White"?

Missing “Sox”. Or did you mean “people”?

by winningugly on Jul 1, 2011 7:57 AM CDT 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

by Chiburb on Jul 1, 2011 8:32 AM CDT reply actions  

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.

by Rhubarb on Jul 1, 2011 9:03 AM CDT reply actions  

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  

yeah

i heard those numbers the other day and was shocked at the commonality of it.

Easy chief
We’re a community - Tdogg

by Jack M on Jul 1, 2011 10:39 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.

by Rhubarb on Jul 1, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

me too

count your blessings, for sure

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

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  

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 10:00 AM CDT reply actions  

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

by BoeJouma on Jul 1, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

yea yea

I resemble that remark…

wu: no comment.

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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

A sweep against the Cubs

would certainly make me feel more optimistic.

White Sox 2011: The season of extraneous body parts.

by greenlight on Jul 1, 2011 10:02 AM CDT reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am shock?

"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers

by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Real test is next week's homestand.

Beware the cure isn't worse than the disease

by Chiburb on Jul 1, 2011 10:30 AM 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

by Kyle321N on Jul 1, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

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

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

by BoeJouma on Jul 1, 2011 10:57 AM CDT reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 11:07 AM CDT reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by greenlight on Jul 1, 2011 12:10 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.

by XuBrent on Jul 1, 2011 12:47 PM CDT reply actions  

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  

Wow.

I really am sorry to hear that.

"I have no patience for the homeless. Get your old, stinky ass out!" - Terry Boers

by RWShow on Jul 1, 2011 1:17 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.

by lastof12 on Jul 1, 2011 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 1:01 PM CDT reply actions  

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 Tdogg on Jul 1, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

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