Kansas City Royals Look to Continue Tormenting the Chicago White Sox

The Royals must be licking their chops as they arrive in Chicago for this weekend's series against the White Sox. And they must be trembling in the South Side.

At a quick glance, this weekend should be a cakewalk for the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox.

Almost every other contender is playing another contender. The Yankees and Orioles are continuing their battle. The Rangers and Rays are squaring off. The Angels are taking on the Tigers. And while the A's are playing the lowly Mariners, they need to beat Felix Hernandez tonight.

So Chicago has a chance to pad its one-game divisional lead and keep pace with the wild-card teams by beating the sub .500 Kansas City Royals.

But there's the rub. Of all the teams dreading their respective matchups this weekend, it is the White Sox who need to be worried.

The Royals have the White Sox's number, and a bad weekend could knock the South Siders right off of their perch.

Kansas City won their last five meetings. In the season series the Royals lead 8-4.

Luis Mendoza starts the opener for the Royals. He has been in a slump as of late but he rises to the occasion against Chicago. He has a solid 2.96 ERA against the White Sox. Salvador Perez has an 11-game hitting streak and has had success against the White Sox.

And the White Sox will be throwing Francisco Liriano, who has two settings: Great or horrific.

The Royals can make the White Sox's lives miserable, or more miserable, with a solid weekend. As it stands right now, they could be what keeps the postseason out of Chicago.