8 Reasons Why the Chicago White Sox Will Make the Playoffs

The Chicago White Sox earned their first winning record since April 15 in a marathon 8-7 14-inning win against the Cleveland Indians.
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The White Sox are currently the hottest team in the American League.  Now, they're also holding a winning record. 

While that does not say much, all that a team needs to win the American League Central is to be alive and breathing at the end of the season.  This is not a difficult division.  Despite having spent most of the season below .500, they are in contention simply by having a winning record.

The White Sox Are Heating Up at the Right Time

Tyler Flowers hit one of five White Sox triples against the Indians on Tuesday night.
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In some years, the White Sox have floundered throughout the year, and started winning when it didn't matter. 

This year, the White Sox had meandered for four months before winning nine of 11 games, surging to within 3 1/2 games of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central.

The American League Central Will Not Run Away from Any Team

Alejandro De Aza collected three hits and two RBI against the Indians Tuesday night.
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Despite having spent most of the season below .500, White Sox fans have little reason to believe that they are not in contention. 

Besides, they have gained four games on the Tigers in their 11-game hot streak.  The Tigers have won only five of their last 11. 

Meanwhile, the Indians have won seven of their last 11, squeezing enough juice out to make this an interesting three-way race.  Generally, the Indians have languished for the last 2 1/2 months.  Signs are pointing to the White Sox hopscotching the Indians in the standings during this series.

The White Sox Have Only One Truly Challenging Series Left

The White Sox face one more big challenge in the Rangers this weekend
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This weekend, the White Sox host the American League West-leading Texas Rangers for arguably their last tough series of the season. 

Some might say that their two remaining series against the Tigers will be tough, while others would suggest that their two remaining sets against the Minnesota Twins, against whom the White Sox are 4-7, will be difficult. 

However, the Twins are playing poorly, as are the Tigers.  Time suggests that the Tigers will be even easier come September when the White Sox play them.

The White Sox Will Play the Tigers at the Right Time

The White Sox and Tigers meet twice in the first half of September.
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For Tigers fans, September is a month to dread.  In three of their last four winning seasons, the Tigers have sputtered out of first place in the last month of the season. 

This season looks like another collapse. The White Sox could get some nice wins in their remaining two series against the Tigers.

Mark Buehrle Is on Target

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White Sox ace Mark Buehrle has been as consistent as ever.  Buehrle has allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last 18 starts, tied with Frank Smith's 1909 streak for the best such run in White Sox history.

The White Sox' Starting Rotation Is Healthy and Strong Enough

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Including newcomer Zach Stewart, the White Sox have four starters who have been healthy for the entire season and each have an ERA below 4.00. 

As mentioned before, Mark Buehrle has been solid.  In his first full season as a starter, Phil Humber has a 3.65 ERA despite stumbling in his last two starts.  John Danks, who has been hit fairly often and stands at 5-9, still has a 3.95 ERA.  Jake Peavy, whose arm might fall off at any minute, has started August well, going 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA in three starts this month after seeing his monthly ERA hang above 6.00 each of the previous two months. 

They should continue to be strong and healthy—not that anyone wants to take bets on Peavy—for the rest of the season.

The White Sox Are Hitting

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After flailing for the first four months of the season, White Sox hitters are batting .286 and scoring 4.7 runs per game.  Functional hitting makes a big difference for the stretch run.

Enough Hitters Are Producing Runs for the White Sox

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Only Paul Konerko (83 RBI) and Carlos Quentin (76 RBI) look like they will reach 100 RBI this season, or even 80.  However, this is enough for the White Sox, who have the best team ERA in the AL Central.