Mark Buehrle Key To Second-Half Success For White Sox

There have been many keys to the White Sox's success thus far in the 2008 season. Many surprises including John Danks and Gavin Floyd in the starting rotation, as well as the hitting of Carlos Quentin and Alexei Ramirez have keyed the White Sox success, as they currently sit 3 1/2 games up in the American League success.

The surprise successes have been coupled with some surprising disappointments for the team, as sluggers Jim Thome and Paul Konerko got off to less than stellar starts, and presumptive ace Javier Vazquez has been shaky to say the least.

But the one steady in the rotation has, and will continue to be Mark Buehrle. From battling through struggles to being the ace, Buehrle has been a staple in the Sox's rotation since his emergence in 2001 when he went 16-8 and made his first of three trips to the All-Star game.

In 2005 Buehrle, again, went 16-8 and was one of the many White Sox hurlers who were dominant in the team's run to the '05 World Series Title. However, many people remember that year as the Jose Contreras' revival as his emergence as the ace during the playoffs is what is most talked about when fans relive that magical season.

And while Buehrle has endured less-than-spectacular years since the '05 title (12-13, 3.63 ERA in '06 and 10-8, 3.63 ERA in '07), the one thing White Sox fans can be assured of is that Buehrle will be pitching on every fifth day in a White Sox uniform (He's never started less then 30 games in a season). And many times, as he goes, so go the Sox.

So while Buehrle has once again been overshadowed in the Sox's rotation, this time by Floyd and Danks' success, and in part due to his slow start to the season (2-6 record through first eight decisions, currently 8-8 with a 3.56 ERA), it has become clear that the White Sox's pitching success in the second half of the season will depend on the trusty ol' arm of Buehrle.

The rest of the White Sox's rotation can be questioned as the "dog days" of summer begin. With more then two full months left in the regular season, it's tough to say how Floyd and Danks will fare as the wear and tear of the season affects them. Likewise, the always erratic Contreras and Vazquez can throw no-hit stuff one day and get shelled the next. So it's Buehrle's job to hold down the rotation and be the ace the White Sox know he can be.

His overall numbers aren't sparkling enough to deserve praise, but since May he's had Cy Young-like numbers. In June he went 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA and thus far in July he's compiled a 2-2 record with an ERA of 2.63, dwindling what was an ERA over 5.00 after the first two months.

So while the offensive production remains a concern with Konerko still not getting into the swing of things (Thome, on the other hand, has picked it up considerably). And while the bullpen must remain consistent for the Sox to hold off the charging Twins and Tigers, one thing is for sure. Much of the Sox's success hinges on the shoulders of their ace, who's been there so many times before.