Phil Humber's Perfect Game: Can It Be a Catalyst for a Chicago White Sox Run?

Phil Humber made history Saturday afternoon. Can his accomplishment light a fire under the 2012 Chicago White Sox?

Humber retired 27 consecutive Seattle Mariners to post Major League Baseball's 21st perfect game. The 29-year-old reclamation project achieved perfection after proving himself as a bona fide starter in 2011, thanks in part to a slider added to his pitching arsenal.

Credit Don Cooper for his part in setting the stage for Humber's awesome feat. Toss a little credit the way of GM Kenny Williams, who can point to the signing of Humber as a bright spot in his recent record. After all, calling the big Texan a bust would have been a fair comment when Humber arrived to the South Side.

The third overall pick of the 2004 MLB draft, Humber had made just two big-league starts heading into the 2011 campaign. After being a late addition to the Chicago rotation, Humber posted a 9-9 record with a 3.75 ERA in 26 starts.

With career highs in appearances and innings pitched (163), his best ERA to date, Humber helped keep the pitching staff afloat last season. Saturday's perfecto came in just his second start, as inclement weather in Cleveland had forced the White Sox to delay Humber's debut to April 16.

On that day, Humber allowed one run before coming out in the sixth inning despite not factoring into what eventually became a 10-4 extra-inning offensive explosion. Paul Konerko's second-inning homer was all Humber would need to post Chicago's eighth win in 14 games this spring.

The White Sox aren't considered to be a front runner for a playoff spot despite taking two of three from Detroit last weekend. John Danks takes the hill Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field to try and pitch Chicago to a sweep of the Mariners. Is there enough magic in the Seattle air for another big pitching performance?

For that matter, could Humber's perfect game be a jumping-off point for a summer of surprises in Chi-town?