White Sox Bullpen Not An Issue in Texas

Since the 2007 season, the White Sox bullpen has been the biggest skepticism season after season since the bullpen in 2007 seemed to lose each game for stellar starting pitching.

This season, the bullpen led by Octavio Dotel, who is yet to give up a run this season, has done its job for the most part. Ozzie Guillen has had a short leash on his relievers the past couple of seasons, taking the "if you don't do your job, then go back to the minors" approach.

This philosophy of Gullien's has been reflective in their roster moves, including the departure of Mike McDougal, the attempt by Jack Egbert at the majors, and now the call up of starter-turned-reliever Lance Broadway.

In Texas, only one out of the three starters were on their game. Mark Buehrle started off the series on a good foot, surrendering only three runs in six innings. Following Buehrle was the poor performance by Jose Contreras (0-4) and an uncharacteristic poor start by John Danks (2-2) on Sunday.

The bullpen combined for 10 and 1/3 innings of work during the Texas series, surrendering only two earned runs, all of which came against Clayton Richard on Saturday.

The bullpen, not much different from last year's, has been a strong point for the White Sox so far for the month of April and the beginnings of May. Bobby Jenks, closer, has five saves out of five chances.

I look for the bullpen to continue to be strong. It may actually be the starting pitching of Jose Contreras and the inconsistencies of Danks and Gavin Floyd that may prove challenging for the White Sox throughout the season.