Chicago White Sox: 5 Players Who Are Carrying the Team

Every baseball fan knows about the struggles of Alex Rios and Adam Dunn.  As a result, the White Sox are four games back.  Furthermore, many White Sox players are putting together fine seasons, despite the sub par performance of the club.

The players selected have been some of the more consistent performers for the White Sox.

Here are the five players who are carrying the South Siders.

Sergio Santos

Matt Thornton didn't pan out at closer.  Insert Sergio Santos.

Santos has had a very successful run as the Sox closer this season.  He's 3-3 with 24 saves and a 2.77 ERA.  Not bad for a player in his first full big league season.  The bullpen needed stability and Santos has provided it.

Also worth mentioning, Santos' slider is the best out-pitch in baseball (according to ESPN).

Carlos Quentin

Quentin, along with Paul Konerko have been the lone sources of power in the White Sox lineup.

Quentin is hitting .262 with 24 home runs and 71 RBI.  He could be on his way to a career year.

Gordon Beckham

I know what you're thinking.  Why Gordon Beckham?  He's only hitting .246 with nine home runs and 33 RBI.

Yes, offensively Beckham is not what White Sox fans expected.  However, defensively, Beckham has wildly exceeded our expectations.

Nearly every game you can hear Hawk Harrelson yell "Mercy!" in awe of Gordon's defense.  Despite his offensive woes, Beckham has not brought his struggles into the field.  He's only made four errors all year and should be the favorite to win the AL Gold Glove at second base.

Mark Buehrle

The unquestioned ace of the White Sox staff.  In his 12th Major League season, Buehrle is having a career year.

He's 9-5 with a 3.04 ERA.  One more win will give him 11 straight seasons of 10 wins or more.

The anchor of a starting staff that has struggled at times, Buehrle has been a constant.  Every fifth day, Ozzie Guillen knows he can rely on a solid outing from Buehrle. 

Paul Konerko

Our captain seems to get better with age.  This year Paulie's hitting .304 with 26 home runs and 80 RBI.  

Although in a mini-slump right now, he still is able to drive in runs through sac flies and ground balls.  

When Paulie left the lineup due to injury, the Sox went on a six-game losing streak.  When he came back, the Sox won five in a row.  He is crucial to the success of the White Sox.

Also worth noting, he's only nine home runs short of 400 for his career.