Chicago White Sox Week in Review (5/4-5/10): Breaking Out of Hitting Slump

Last week, I said that if the White Sox broke even over the next seven days, we could count the six-game losing streak as an anomaly.

The South Siders finished this first full week of May with a 4-3 record; 4-4 if you count today's loss against the Mariners.

So, according to my earlier contention, the losing streak was just a blip, right?

Yes...and no.

Yes, the Sox did break out of their hitting slump on Tuesday against the Twins.  Yes, they did win back-to-back series, and pick up a series victory on the West Coast (albeit versus the slumping M's.) Yes, they did hit a home run with at least one man on base...more than once!

Unfortunately, the pitching faltered towards the end of the week, as Javier Vazquez and Gavin Floyd had less-than-spectacular outings at Safeco Field. Let's not forget that Mark Buerhle was hammered by the Twins on Wednesday night. 

There are still concerns that the White Sox need to address as they continue their West Coast road trip. However, they have a couple of things on their side.

One: The Angels are off-balance after suffering a sweep at the hands of the suddenly streaking Rays. The Halos seem to have caught the virus that was afflicting the White Sox; they fell into an offensive slump this past week as well.

Two: The Giants suck. Period. I just hope the Sox face Barry Zito so they can make him pay for all those years when he was in Oakland.

And now, the Thumbs.

Thumbs up to Brian Anderson and Carlos Quentin. When I'm right, I'm right. The young guns I put on the hot seat in last week's column came up aces this weekend. Carlos Quentin's average is back up to .300, and Brian Anderson did a masterful job in the garden. He also had a big three-run homer Saturday night, and judging from his bear hug of Greg Walker in the dugout, his confidence is increasing.

Thumbs up to Juan Uribe. The most expendable piece of the White Sox puzzle showed up this past week. The White Sox infielder was a pedestrian 4-17 over the last week, but he didn't strike out once over the seven days. Not once.  Besides, who forgets that takeout slide on Brendan Harris?  Mad props to Juan.

Last thumbs up goes to Jermaine Dye. Even after everyone calls him average in the field, a slow runner, and an unspectacular bat, Jermaine Dye goes out and does what he does best: be a beast.

Three straight games with a home run and a .538 batting average from Tuesday through Friday is enough to earn him my....Beast of the Week Award! Don't worry, by the end of the season, I'll make up some sort of trophy.

Thumbs down to Joe Crede. Joe C is looking more like Kid Rock's Joe C these days. The Crede we've come to know and love would have feasted on clutch, bases-loaded situations like the one he saw today. Instead, Joe's average has dipped over the last week and a half, and he only has one hit in his last 14 at-bats with RISP. Crede needs to pick it up if the offense wants to start firing on all cylinders.

Thumbs down to Nick Swisher and the White Sox offense. Is it too early in the season to call Kid Swish a bust? After Brian Anderson had a great defensive series in center, Swisher is still looking lost at the plate. He's still drawing walks, but he isn't hitting the ball solidly. In addition, he had a couple of misplays in right field today. I think all Swish needs is time, but the clock is ticking a bit faster now.

As for the offense, I only need one more bases-loaded situation to go by the wayside for me to put my fist through a TV screen. The middle of the order needs to start getting hits, Paul Konerko especially. Stranding 11 men through the first six innings won't win you games. 

Thumbs down to Mark Buerhle and Gavin Floyd. Oh guys, how I've stood by you this season. Mark, you've been in my heart ever since you slid across the tarp with Man-Soo Lee. Gavin, I defended you when Pat Nolan cautioned us against jumping on the bandwagon. Now, I see he was right; it's too early to make up the Floyd's Our Boy t-shirts.

All joking aside, these two need to bounce back after rough outings. Mark Buerhle is the clubhouse guy every team needs; someone to keep things loose. But he was uncharacteristically emotional after his start Wednesday, and I think he needs to pitch with that chip on his shoulder tomorrow. Same goes for Gavin against the Giants at Candlestick...I mean SBC...I mean Pac Bell....oh, whatever it's called now.

Last thumbs down goes to Matt Guerrier. He was thoroughly treated by Ozzie in the dugout, and rightfully so: he looked so goofy running around tagging baserunners. Shame on you, Matt; our organization taught you better.

That's all, folks; I'll see you in a week. Until then, keep waving the Pennant.