After the weekend dismantling of the Cubs the White Sox sit at 21 and 21, basically a quarter of the way thru the season. How you feeling? In most ways I suppose they've played that way. Indeed the team is one of extremes, at least from a batting point of view.

First the good news. The .500 record and +9 run differential is light years ahead of last year's squad. And the pitiful central leaves them 2.5 games out of first.

Ozzie crew for the first 42 in 2011 checked in at 17-25 with a -26 run differential and were 10 games out. Yikes. I sometimes forget/block out how bad a start the team had. Believe it or not the team has scored more runs 174 to 160 and they certainly have given up fewer 165 to 186.

So why the bejesus aren't they in first? Especially when you compare them to the rest of the starts in the Central. Well part of it is a little bit of luck. Madvillian posted earlier how Baseball Prospectus 3rd win order actually does have the White Sox barely ahead of Cleveland once we strip away a few of the luck factors.

Secondly they've had a few truly horrendous performances as we all know. Ramirez and Morel have been fan murdering candidates 1 and 2 with Beckham still trying to dig out of his early season hole. Until the past 2 weeks the Cuban Tank was closer to a Yugo. Danks hasn't given much and Humber had a perfect game hangover of epic proportions.

Last is the bullpen. Negative bullpen WPA. Piss poor WPA/over leverage. And the ever popular negative "they're not clutch!" combined numbers. Lots of potential but balls flying out the Cell scare the hell out of me.

These are a few of the mysteries that have me shaking me head as I try and figure out this team. Fortunately for the pale hose I haven't seen much from the competition to make me change my original feelings for this season. The White Sox will compete.

Cleveland. Nothing special. Does anyone really see them winning the division?

Detroit. Everyone's runaway pick for the division isn't running away with anything. For me the Tigers had one glorious six week run that clouded a lot of folks head about the potential of this team. Stars and scrubs with a killer "I mean that literally" defense.

KC. I know I know. Greatest prospects since... Yawn.

Minnesota. Do I even have to mention them. Actually I miss the real Twins. Okay I'm lying I don't.

What about you? Where are you tilting? Do you still expect a breakout from the Tigers (I know they do, lol). Will anybody notice the mistake by the lake, like even their own fans?

Just wanted something up quick and dirty