CP: These two with the Tigers today are big, and the Sox have already won the first one. Past that, the Sox need a 7-3 road trip to have a few steps on Minnesota. 6-4 or 5-5 is more likely, but 7-3 would be absolutely huge. 3-1 with the Yankees, 2-1 (3-0), and then 2-1 against the Twins is very possible.
3. With Quentin down, Konerko out, and Crede off the radar, someone has to step up and carry the offense over these last two weeks. Will it be one guy, or will it be a carousel of heroes every night?
TB: It'll have to be a carousel of players, but Ken Griffey Jr. is the one guy that must step up now. He was the big-money player that Kenny Williams (and many Sox fans) have wanted for a long time, and he's got to step up and show his worth.
Brian Anderson is another guy that I think will be making the most of his at bats (if Ozzie could ever get over his man-crush on Dewayne Wise). Last, but not least, Thome and Pierzynski have to continue to provide their veteran leadership and timely hits as well.
CW: I think it's pretty clear that Jim Thome has stepped up his game immensely and is ready to carry this team down the stretch. No disrespect to Jermaine Dye, who has carried the team through a number of stretches throughout the season, but Thome looks poised to get in the playoffs.
He's hitting the ball to all fields, something he hasn't done a lot of this season. He's also hitting clutch home runs and racking up the RBI.
CP: I've always been in favor of the "revolving door" of heroes, but I see Jimmy T, JD, and (surprise, surprise) Juan Uribe really getting the big hits for the team down the stretch. Juan seems to have found a stance that works and Thome is mashing the ball right now.
4. Speaking of injuries, the White Sox website reported that both Quentin and Konerko were willing to get back out on the field before their injuries had fully healed. Do you agree with this strategy, or would you rather have them shut it down and get back to 100 percent?
TB: Especially in the case of Quentin, there is no way I'd let him play again unless he's 100 percent healthy. Considering the guy is just starting to reach his prime, the last thing you want is for him to suffer a more serious injury.
Let him get healthy first and then we'll talk. With Paulie, I could see Ozzie wanting to use him as a DH or pinch hitter in late-inning situations, but once again, I wouldn't chance it.
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