Chicago White Sox: Can They Beat the New York Yankees in October?

The question the Chicago White Sox need to ask themselves is this: Can we beat the New York Yankees in the postseason?

It is never too early to look ahead.

If the postseason began today, Paul Konerko, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Sale and the rest of the White Sox would face the Texas Rangers.  Improving by the week, the Sox proved that they can beat the Rangers and lead the season series four games to two.  ALDS, check.

An appearance in the World Series, however, depends on Chicago’s ability to beat the Yankees in New York during the ALCS.

Right now, Yankees win.

Offensively, the Yankees hold the edge in every major statistical category, although not by much.  They are in the top ten in runs with 443.  They have a team batting average of .264 with a .338 OBP, and they are slugging .465. 

Conversely, the Sox have scored 12 fewer runs and are batting .260 as a team. They hold a .324 OBP and a .420 slugging percentage.

Also keep in mind that the Sox have been on an offensive surge and have dramatically improved since the addition of Youkilis.  In the 18 games since being acquired, he has already driven in 18 runs.  Along with the surging Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski, Youk has helped narrow the gap between the two teams on offense.

From a pitching perspective, the White Sox seem to have the edge, although a deeper look at the numbers reveals a cause for concern.

While the Yankees hold an edge in team ERA at 3.75 compared to 3.96 for the Sox, they trail in quality starts, WHIP and BAA.  The White Sox starting pitching is also better, to a point.  White Sox starters have a collective ERA of 3.97 compared to 4.00 for the Yankees, but New York has more balance one through five.

The Yankees would win the ALCS because they hold a distinct edge in one major area.  They have a deeper bullpen. 

Even with a 6.48 ERA in 34 appearances from Cory Wade, the bullpen for the Yankees has an ERA of 3.21 compared to 3.91 for the White Sox.  More importantly, New York has veteran arms that have been to the playoffs before.  To underestimate how crucial that is would be a mistake.

To be sure, the recently departed Zach Stewart and Will Ohman contributed greatly to the inflated numbers for the relievers, but that should not overshadow the remaining deficiencies and lack of experience in the bullpen.

Even with the imminent return of right-hander Jesse Crain from the DL, the Sox need more than they have.  Specifically, the Sox need another lefty.  Leyson Septimo is not the answer to go with Matt Thornton and Hector Santiago, who has grown nicely into his role.

CBSSports.com is reporting the Sox “checked in” on San Diego’s Clayton Richard; and while landing a starter like him, Zach Greinke or Ryan Dempster sounds appealing, it is not the answer. 

If General Manager Kenny Williams wants to be good enough to beat the Yankees in October, he needs to grab a left-handed reliever.