White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is on a short leash. He has blown some ugly games, the most recent allowing Detroit to tie the game in the last of the 9th inning when Ray Raeburn when a 3 run HR with 2 outs. The Tigers tied the game, but lost when Mark Kotsay drove in 2 runs with a triple. That was a big win for Chicago. But Jenks' high-wire act has to tone down.
You can't have your closer serving up critical home runs late in the game. That's what happened in Seattle. When the Mariners won on a walk-off blast. Jenks has a 5.13 ERA since the All-Star break, not exactly breaking any Bob Gibson records. One more late gaffe by the closer, and he may be demoted. The Sox have a strong bullpen. There are some live arms back there, But Bobby Jenks late inning failures are sure to stand out, and that could change the complexion of the bullpen if it happens again. Sergio Santos, Mark Thornton, and Scott Linebrink will see more innings in bullpen relief.
