Are the White Sox the real threat?

Sports_Freak · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 12:58 PM

The Twins are horrible on the road. They are 17-24. After the All-Star break, the Twins have 23 out of 35 on the road.

The White Sox are decent on the road. They're 22-20. And after the break? They play 22 out of 35 at home.

Meanwhile, the Tigers are 21-26 on the road. They play 20 out of 35 at home after the break.

But this is the kicker; everyone thinks the Twins are SO great at home? Well, the Tigers are better. We're 24-12 at home, the Twins are 26-17 and the Sox are 21-20.

For the 35 games after the break I think the Tigers have an advantage over both the Twins and Sox. The Twins could easily find themselves out of the race after that 35 game stretch. So I think it will come down to the Sox and Tigers, with the Tigers coming out on top!

Scottwood · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:03 PM

I have always felt that the Sox were the bigger threat this year. They have a good top 3 of the rotation, a decent bullpen and 4-5 good hitters. The Twins have a good bullpen and Mauer and Morneau will keep them in it. But, their rotation is not that good, imo, and that will be their downfall.

Tyrus · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:11 PM

I think it's going to be a tight three-way race all year, and that both Chicago and Minnesota will be threats.

But to me, the biggest threat to the Detroit Tigers is ... the Detroit Tigers. In other words, if we play up to our capabilities, we should be okay. But if we sabatoge ourselves with a bunch of games where our hitters have terrible at-bats, or our pitchers walk every other batter, then we won't be sniffing that postseason air.

DennisDubay · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:12 PM

The White Sox suffer from the same things we do: Bad bullpen and inconsistent hitting. So it's just a matter of whose bats and bullpen are working down the stretch.

InfanteIago · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:12 PM

White Sox may have an edge and the reason I say that is because their SP as a 5 man staff seems to have an edge. I wouldn't take anybody over Jackson and Verlander but Buehrle and Danks have both been good this year, Floyd has been average but he can eat innings and then you have Contreras who's been lights out since returning from AAA. I'm not sure if he can keep performing like that but if he even comes close to that it gives the White Sox a big edge. Not sure about the #5 spot but Colon might be back shortly. I would also give the White Sox a slight edge in the bullpen.

As for the lineups Tigers have scored more runs but I am concerned a guy like Quentin can add a lot to the White Sox lineup. Right now guys like Pierzynski, Thome, Konerko and Dye are better than what the Tigers have been trotting out there recently, a guy like Quentin can make a huge difference.

Robinson for MVP · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:13 PM

I feel more confident about the Tigers ability to beat the Sox than I do the Twins. Ergo, I think the Twins are the bigger threat.

That said, we get both teams at home more than we do at their places, which should bode well for our overall chances.

deadcenter~440 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrus

I think it's going to be a tight three-way race all year, and that both Chicago and Minnesota will be threats.

But to me, the biggest threat to the Detroit Tigers is ... the Detroit Tigers. In other words, if we play up to our capabilities, we should be okay. But if we sabatoge ourselves with a bunch of games where our hitters have terrible at-bats, or our pitchers walk every other batter, then we won't be sniffing that postseason air.

+1

InfanteIago · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennisDubay

The White Sox suffer from the same things we do: Bad bullpen and inconsistent hitting. So it's just a matter of whose bats and bullpen are working down the stretch.

White Sox have a bit of a better bullpen, Sox pen is at #5 in the AL and the Tigers stand at #10.

ballmich · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:35 PM

There's 2.5 games that separate all three teams at approximately the half way mark. So I don't see why someone wouldn't consider those three teams all legitimate contenders. None are probably good enough to run away with the division, but all are good enough to win it. Most likely injuries, or inversely the ability to stay healthy, will determine who wins the division.

Mr. Bigglesworth · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballmich

There's 2.5 games that separate all three teams at approximately the half way mark. So I don't see why someone wouldn't consider those three teams all legitimate contenders. None are probably good enough to run away with the division, but all are good enough to win it. Most likely injuries, or inversely the ability to stay healthy, will determine who wins the division.

I agree with this.

Sports_Freak · #11 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfanteIago

White Sox may have an edge and the reason I say that is because their SP as a 5 man staff seems to have an edge. I wouldn't take anybody over Jackson and Verlander but Buehrle and Danks have both been good this year, Floyd has been average but he can eat innings and then you have Contreras who's been lights out since returning from AAA. I'm not sure if he can keep performing like that but if he even comes close to that it gives the White Sox a big edge. Not sure about the #5 spot but Colon might be back shortly. I would also give the White Sox a slight edge in the bullpen.

As for the lineups Tigers have scored more runs but I am concerned a guy like Quentin can add a lot to the White Sox lineup. Right now guys like Pierzynski, Thome, Konerko and Dye are better than what the Tigers have been trotting out there recently, a guy like Quentin can make a huge difference.

I don't agree. Contreras will probably come back to earth real soon. And when he's bad, he is horrible.

As for Colon? I saw on SportsCenter this morning that he is missing. He was supposed to be on a rehab assignment but nobody has heard from him. Not a good sign...

As for all the hitters you named? They are mostly all older players that could very well lose it quickly (see Magglio for an example)

The Tigers are a younger and hungrier team, IMO. But, we'll see. It should be a good race.

InfanteIago · #12 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sports_Freak

I don't agree. Contreras will probably come back to earth real soon. And when he's bad, he is horrible.

As for Colon? I saw on SportsCenter this morning that he is missing. He was supposed to be on a rehab assignment but nobody has heard from him. Not a good sign...

As for all the hitters you named? They are mostly all older players that could very well lose it quickly (see Magglio for an example)

The Tigers are a younger and hungrier team, IMO. But, we'll see. It should be a good race.

I noticed that about Colon which is odd of course Williams said if he shows up for his rehab start on Thursday there's a good chance he comes back to pitch in the DH against the Tigers. Why would the White Sox hitters lose it quickly like Magglio? Just because Magglio lost it quickly doesn't mean others will. In fact people have had a very hard time finding other guys that have lost it like Maggs has. Tigers might be a bit younger but we don't know if they're hungrier. I imagine the White Sox would love to repeat as division champs.

Sports_Freak · #13 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfanteIago

Why would the White Sox hitters lose it quickly like Magglio?

Long, long season and no 'roids. Enough said. : )

tiger337 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballmich

There's 2.5 games that separate all three teams at approximately the half way mark. So I don't see why someone wouldn't consider those three teams all legitimate contenders. None are probably good enough to run away with the division, but all are good enough to win it. Most likely injuries, or inversely the ability to stay healthy, will determine who wins the division.

+1

EppOnite · #15 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:05 PM

The White Sox are hot right now. They'll cool off and even fade if the Tigers remain consistant.

diamondhead · #16 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:11 PM

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I forsee both the White Sox and Twins passing the Tigers in the long run this season. The Tigers have too many holes in their offense and pitching to keep up.

The White Sox have hung in there while having their best offensive player (Quentin) from last season hurt for the majority of this season.

MissouriKaline6 · #17 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:18 PM

I think it will be a close race all summer.. problem is two of the three are going to be left out, as I don't see the WC coming from the Central.

Tyrus · #18 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamondhead

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I forsee both the White Sox and Twins passing the Tigers in the long run this season. The Tigers have too many holes in their offense and pitching to keep up.

The White Sox have hung in there while having their best offensive player (Quentin) from last season hurt for the majority of this season.

All three teams have holes, so it's just a matter of who gets hot when.

And as far as Quentin being hurt, the Tigers also have "hung in there" with not only one of their best hitters (Maggs) taking a crap all season, but one of their best pitchers (Bonderman) out all year.

The Tigers, holes and all, have remained in first place most of this season. So what makes you think they won't be able to "keep up" the rest of the way?

The Sux get Quentin back; we'll get Guillen back. I think it's going to be a dogfight, but I don't see any reason why the Tigers can't take this thing.

InfanteIago · #19 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrus

All three teams have holes, so it's just a matter of who gets hot when.

And as far as Quentin being hurt, the Tigers also have "hung in there" with not only one of their best hitters (Maggs) taking a crap all season, but one of their best pitchers (Bonderman) out all year.

The Tigers, holes and all, have remained in first place most of this season. So what makes you think they won't be able to "keep up" the rest of the way?

The Sux get Quentin back; we'll get Guillen back. I think it's going to be a dogfight, but I don't see any reason why the Tigers can't take this thing.

I thought Quentin was a lot more productive before the injury than Guillen was right before the injury but that's just me.

Go Kitties · #20 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 03:05 PM

It would be fun if it comes down to that last series in Detroit. Sox always play well at Comerica.

Robinson for MVP · #21 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrus

All three teams have holes, so it's just a matter of who gets hot when.

And as far as Quentin being hurt, the Tigers also have "hung in there" with not only one of their best hitters (Maggs) taking a crap all season, but one of their best pitchers (Bonderman) out all year.

The Tigers, holes and all, have remained in first place most of this season. So what makes you think they won't be able to "keep up" the rest of the way?

The Sux get Quentin back; we'll get Guillen back. I think it's going to be a dogfight, but I don't see any reason why the Tigers can't take this thing.

That's sort of like saying "the Sux (sic) get a Ferrari back and we'll get a Sebring back so let's go drag racing."

diamondhead · #22 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrus

All three teams have holes, so it's just a matter of who gets hot when.

And as far as Quentin being hurt, the Tigers also have "hung in there" with not only one of their best hitters (Maggs) taking a crap all season, but one of their best pitchers (Bonderman) out all year.

The Tigers, holes and all, have remained in first place most of this season. So what makes you think they won't be able to "keep up" the rest of the way?

The Sux get Quentin back; we'll get Guillen back. I think it's going to be a dogfight, but I don't see any reason why the Tigers can't take this thing.

All three teams are flawed, I'll agree with that. My point is that the Tigers have MORE holes than the Twins and Sox. I also don't see significant contributions coming from Bonderman, Guillen or Ordonez for the rest of the season. When Quentin is healthy he's MVP calibre (at least he was last season). I hope I am wrong, but this is how I see it.

Biff Mayhem · #23 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go Kitties

It would be fun if it comes down to that last series in Detroit. Sox always play well at Comerica.

I was at that game in 05 when the Sux clinched. My stomach still hurts from watching that ball Konerko hit over the first baseman's head. Yuk.

Tried as I may, I haven't been able to watch that stench off.

Antrat · #24 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 04:15 PM

Last 7 games of the year are at home against the Twins and Sox. The way this division is going, whoever wins it, will probably be celebrating on Comerica's turf.
Sure would be sweet for it to be the Tigers.

illmatic774 · #25 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:11 PM

A threat to the MLB? No.

A threat to us? Hell yes.

They collectively hit worse than us, but they also have better pitching.

DET Mr Malefic · #26 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biff Mayhem

I was at that game in 05 when the Sux clinched.

I was too.....not a good memory.

I agree with the statements made by Tyrus in this thread.

jackbauer1982 · #27 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sports_Freak

The Tigers are a younger and hungrier team, IMO. But, we'll see. It should be a good race.

Hungrier? Maybe and that will probably make a difference.

Buy are the Tigers really younger? In Quentin, Ramirez, Getz/Nix and Beckham, they have four everyday players 26 and younger. I wouldn't really count Miguel Cabrera as young given his tremendous experience, so really isn't the Tigers really only young everyday guy Josh Anderson?

If you are talking about rotation, yeah, I guess you're younger there, but isn't that a disadvantage given the arms of Porcello and French have never been tested over a long season and Verlander is the only guy to have gone over 185 innings? Danks and Floyd are both young anyway.

Colon was found by the way and is apparently going to start in the minor leagues today or tomorrow. Not expecting much from him though.

Bambino Lino · #28 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:56 AM

Here's my 2 cents.

The White Sox are already a threat right now as it is. They still have a bad taste in their mouth about Peavy refusing to go there earlier in the season. Because of that, I think they'll be the team that ends up landing Roy Halladay, as they have the prospects to do it (Beckham, Poreda, Flowers..) If I'm right about this, watch out.

Bambino Lino · #29 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antrat

Last 7 games of the year are at home against the Twins and Sox.

I like this. We have one of the best home records in baseball, and a stat was brought up last night on the telecast that I think somwhere around 60-something of the last 93 games are at home.

irishmick79 · #30 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:07 AM

I'm really, really glad that those final two series against the Twins and Sox are home series. Both the Cell and the Homerdome have been Houses of Hell for the Tigers, and I'd hate to have to clinch a division in either of those places. Although, if I had to pick my poison I'd rather have to go to the Cell than Minnesota.

sportz4life · #31 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambino Lino

I like this. We have one of the best home records in baseball, and a stat was brought up last night on the telecast that I think somwhere around 60-something of the last 93 games are at home.

Try a little math and logic..they only play 81 home games and they have played 37.

81-37=44

4hzglory · #32 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Try a little math and logic..they only play 81 home games and they have played 37.

81-37=44

But considering we only have 78 games left, having 44 of them at home (compared to 34 on the road) definitely works in our favor.

Go Kitties · #33 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biff Mayhem

I was at that game in 05 when the Sux clinched. My stomach still hurts from watching that ball Konerko hit over the first baseman's head. Yuk.

Tried as I may, I haven't been able to watch that stench off.

I know the feeling having watched Minny clench in Chicago.

FWIW, Vegas still likes detroit to win the division.

Bambino Lino · #34 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Try a little math and logic..they only play 81 home games and they have played 37.

81-37=44

Wow, I feel stupid now. Well, I remember the home to away ratio being in our favor down the stretch.

Sports_Freak · #35 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambino Lino

Wow, I feel stupid now. Well, I remember the home to away ratio being in our favor down the stretch.

Game remaining as of 7/9;

Twins..........36 home 40 away
White Sox....38 home 39 away
Tigers.........44 home 34 away

Clancy · #36 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 06:31 PM

It's just wwwaaayyy too close to call. The Tigers have an advantage in home games but quite frankly the wild card here is that any key injury to any team could kill their season on the spot.

The Tiger's owner said recently... "He'll do whatever it takes." Well.... why wait? As of today, we are in a neck-and-neck horse race that we could very well lose. I say, get on the horn, call up DD, and write a cheque. I appreciate you got burned last year..... but hey, you can't take it with you Mikey. As well, an '09 World Series can do for Detroit exactly what the '68 team did. Make it happen! We're a player short.