Chicago White Sox: While Shaky in Spots, It's Been a Good Start

To say the Chicago White Sox have been the class of the American League would be a bit much two weeks into the season. 

The White Sox have had their issues to open the 2011 campaign, issues that need to be addressed if the team is to remain in contention for a Central Division crown.

However, a 7-4 record going into Wednesday afternoon's action with Oakland is a pretty decent start.

The White Sox didn't do themselves any favors last season with their poor record in April, so it's nice to see them on the sunny side of the .500 mark so far. Chicago has scored a lot of runs and given up a lot of runs. 

So far, no deficit is insurmountable, and no lead seems to be safe.

Paul Konerko has gotten off to a hot start again in 2011, hitting .381 with three homers and 12 RBI. Carlos Quentin has also come out of the game hitting, a good sign if Chicago is to make any noise in the division.

Alex Rios is beginning to show signs of like in his bat after a rough opening week, but offense doesn't appear to be the White Sox concern right now.

The bullpen has left a lot to be desired 11 games into the season. Matt Thornton has blown three save opportunities already this season despite a 2.45 ERA.

At 3-8, you have a full-blown bullpen collapse; at 7-4, Thornton may get a chance to work his way out of the current funk.

Chicago could win their third series of the season with a win this afternoon over the Athletics. Not too shabby, even despite a couple of blown leads.

The White Sox sit a game behind Cleveland, but have a three-game advantage on both Minnesota and Detroit, who figured to be the Sox main competition in the Central this season. 

You can't dismiss what the Indians have done, but again, I like where Chicago is positioned at this point.

The Angels come into town this weekend to close out the home stand, which is followed by road series in Tampa Bay, Detroit and New York. 

If the White Sox can get the bullpen on track, the second half of April could see Chicago continuing their winning start.