I've got to say, I've had a lot of optimism about this season since the last out of last year was recorded. A few major signings and trades later, this season was ready to unfold.
Within the last few weeks, pundits chose the White Sox to place either third of fourth in the highly competitive AL Central Division. I'll be a realist when I say it's going to take a lot of work to make the playoffs, but anything can happen at any time.
Monday's opener was nothing short of dramatic, with Jim Thome hitting two home runs in his first two at-bats. But the major key (what will be the defining part of this year) was the pitching, and veteran ace Mark Buehrle was anything but sharp in his first outing. He gave up seven runs in the second, and the offense had to play catch-up from then on.
I didn't watch the game but got frequent updates on the Internet, so I missed the one or two controversial calls late in the game. Yes, I know Jim Thome is on pace for 324 home runs this year, but he won't be pitched to unless those behind him are hitting consistently.
Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye must deliver, and after yesterday's game, it appears this year may be full of slug fests, and the White Sox have an offense that can match up with anyone, but they must deliver.
All in all, I'm not too surprised. Octavio Dotel could not hold the Cleveland Indians when he needed to, but I do have a lot of faith in our bullpen corps this year. We should be able to rebound, and make a valiant run at the division crown this year if things begin to fall in to place and the players play like they are capable.
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