The Chicago White Sox are contending for the AL Central crown with less than two weeks in this dwindling season.
With Minnesota trailing 8-1 to Cleveland, and the White Sox now ahead of The New York Yankees 4-2 in the fifth inning, every game counts. Actually, every inning counts. The Sox have a slim game and a half lead over the Twins with 12 to play. And, it looks like the 3 game series with Minnesota on the road could be decisive in determining who will play in the post-season. The White Sox aren't playing small ball this season, they seem to live and die with the long ball. Losing Carlos Quentin for the year was a tough blow. He currently leads the AL in home runs with 36.
The big questions are can the White Sox starting rotation hold up and can the Sox manufacture runs. If the ChiSox can do one of the two, they have a shot. If they can do both, then they will be playing in October.
Joe Maddon, the skipper for Tampa Bay has done a great job and should be favorite for the AL manager of the year. But Ozzie Guillen will get some votes. Prior to the season, no one had picked the White Sox to be close to contending. But here they are. Tampa Bay is quite a story and will make the AL post-season interesting. But having the Sox in there with their proven power and strong bullpen, will make them a team to watch.
