The Five W’s of the Chicago White Sox

None of the 5 W’s stands for Win as of late.  The White Sox had an outstanding June and July only to collapse slowly into 2^nd place by mid-August.  Countless experts saw this coming, while the fans sat in denial.  Asking my own self how this could happen, well the 5 W’s answer it all on the breakdown of the Chicago White Sox.

Who?

It is painless to point fingers at one of the Sox players, and trust me, I will get to that.  Yet, one team still single handedly crushed the White Sox. Yes, the Minnesota Twins.  I could not even pick one player on the Twins that pulverized the White Sox record.  Between Jim Thome and Jason Kubel alone the Twins have dominated the White Sox this season.  The Twins have taken 9 of 12 games so far this season.  I laugh because we all thought it was the Metrodome that affected the White Sox performance. Seems to be the players themselves, in spite of where they play.  Field or dome, Sox have played unsuccessfully against the Twins regardless.

What?

What the……..happened?!

Let’s start from the beginning.  From April until June, Paul Konerko and Alex Rios carried the teams hitting unaided.  Gavin Floyd could not find himself until July, along with Freddie Garcia.  Gordon Beckham’s batting average is still terrifying to even think about, and let us not forget the untimely loss of Jake Peavy for the rest of the season.

Okay, the White Sox did progress, but one key part of the team has botched the team this season, particularly lately:  The Bullpen.  Bobby Jenks, J. J. Putz, and Matt Thornton have all been tested as closers.  They all have something else in common too: Blown saves.  This has been an immense issue recently with the White Sox.  If you take away even Bobby Jenks blown saves, well, the White Sox would be back in contention.  At least Kenny Williams has his off-season agenda planned with finding a new closer.  Crossing my fingers though, that is it not Francisco Rodriguez.

When?

August.

In the month August the Sox have only won 7 of 17 games played so far. After winning 18 games in both June and July, things were really looking positive for the White Sox.  Now being behind 5 games in the AL Central, most Southsiders are anxious for football or hockey season to start.  Sox constantly seem to keep their fans intrigued until late in the season.  They gave us a panic in 2005 and even held on in 2006.  Maybe this September the Sox can show the Twins fans what heartbreak actually is.

Where?

Do I really need to elaborate much; Target Field and U.S. Cellular (August). The White Sox have lost 7 of 11 at Target Field this season, and lost 4 of 6 as of late at their home field.  I am not really seeing any advantage away or at home for the White Sox.  

Why?

Not consistent.

The re-surge of the Baltimore Orioles.

Jim Thome and Jason Kubel.  Trading Thome was not the brightest move either.

The White Sox Bullpen.

August.

And as always, it is Chicago.  Chicago is known for disappointment.  Why not keep the traditions going?  The fans will move on dream about next season, and of course 2005.