1. It was put to me by another Sox fan, the other day, that the offense is a "ticking time bomb." They've scored one or fewer runs in 12 games this year and have been the reason the Sox have lost a number of games, including Sunday's 4-3 loss in extra innings.
So, a simple, straightforward question: can the Sox make the playoffs with the lineup they have right now?
Yes. Don't expect anything super special from Konerko, but he isn't this bad. It's very possible for Swisher to have a strong second half. If Alexei Ramirez proves that he can provide offense that is above replacement level, other teams are going to have to watch out.
Not right now.
It's on me at this point: it's June 2nd and for the month of June, the Sox stand at 0-1. They've shown that they can play with the good teams pitching-wise, but the offense has to stand up.
To clarify, I believe that the Sox will start hitting. It's not the time to play "Let's Make a Deal," no matter what Ozzie says (he was angry and we say things when we're angry.)
But if the Sox are still only a few games above .500 and can break even at the end of the month, then I'll have to reverse my previous statements. June is the month to watch; either the Sox will rise or they will fall.
No, and it's pretty clear that Ozzie feels the same way. There might be a few guys in the lineup that are struggling that will in fact turn things around, but to expect that everyone will suddenly surge in the second half is just plain wishful thinking.
The Sox lineup is stuck in quicksand right now and the only thing that will help them get out of it is the kind of shake up that only Kenny Williams can deliver.
They can make the playoffs with the lineup that they have because of the great pitching they're getting. Without that, they don't have a shot.
No, they do not have a table-setter. They are struggling to get on base and don't have a man who will do it at the top of the lineup.
You and I threw around a couple names (Crisp, Lofton, Freel), and I am going to add some more (Juan Pierre—LAD, Fred Lewis—SF, Frank Catalanatto—TEX, Reggie Willits—LAA).
This is very much a fastball hitting team, with men on base, everyone, from the red hot Carlos Quentin to the struggling veteran Jim Thome, would be seeing many more good pitches to hit.
It would also allow Orlando Cabrera to move down to the two-hole and do what he does best, sacrificing and hitting behind the runner.
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andy Miller about 1 year ago
Are 6 of those 9 losses you're pegging the Sox for coming from the Cubs? (Too early to get in gear for the crosstown series?)
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JJ Stankevitz about 1 year ago
I have the Sox splitting the six with the Cubs—each team taking two out of three on their home turf.
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