Where is Bobby Jenks when you need him? The Chicago White Sox lost two tough games to Detroit, both in the late innings over the weekend, to fall 3 games behind the hot Minnesota Twins. The Twins are a good team. You have to play well to beat them, and the Sox haven't figured out how to do it against them. Their upcoming series will be telling.
But the losses against the Tigers were tough to take. Leading 2-1 in top of the 9th, J.J. Putz grooved one to a hitter who belted a two run blast to sink the ChiSox, 3-2. Then yesterday, leading 7-5 going into the 7th, the bullpen folded and gave up 8 runs in 3 innings. The Sox lost that game, 13-8. That was a game Chicago really needed. Trailing 5-4 in the last of the 6th, Alexei Ramirez hit a two out single to drive in Andruw Jones. Then Paul Konerko connected on the first pitch he saw to drive a 2 run Homer. The Sox had a 7-5 lead and it looked good, until the bullpen couldn't get anyone out. They made the Tigers lineup look like Murderers Row, or the BoSox when they are hitting on all cylinders.
But the excitement fizzled and the energy evaporated into thin air. Now, Chicago trails the Twins by 3 games heading into an almost must win situation. They can ill afford to be swept. They have to find a way to take 2 out of 3. And start winning games. The Sox were playing so well for so long, it was bound to catch up to them. And, it did, smack in the middle of a Division race. There is time to recoup but not much time.
It may be time for a players only meeting. When guys can air it out in private. These guys need a pep talk. They need a pat on the back, They need to affirm that they belong in the hunt and have enough to win it. There is a fine line between losing and winning, and the Sox have to cross back to the line of playing smart, tough baseball. They need to play with a chip on their shoulder. Everyone needs to chip in now. Or, in a few weeks, a few series, it will be too late.
