2011 Chicago White Sox mid season review
With a 43-47 record, the Chicago White Sox find themselves in third place in the American League Central. They are poised to take advantage of a Cleveland Indians team that is young and should fall off, and a Detroit Tigers team that tends to falter down the stretch. Sure, they are 5-5 over their last 10, and five and a half games back, but this division is weak. They do have an 11-7 record in interleague lay, but are just 7-15 against their division. That includes a 1-11 record against the Tigers and Minnesota Twins.
The White Sox offense has scored 359 runs, and the team batting average is .252. That is just the ninth best team BA of the 14 American League teams. Sox hitters have struck out 533 times, second fewest in their league, and drawn 258 walks. Those numbers suggest that this team puts the ball in play a lot. Even though their hit total of 775 is right in the middle of their league. The big disappointment on offense is clearly Adam Dunn who is only hitting .164 with 9 home runs.
The pitching staff has given up 374 runs, and the staff ERA is 3.88. That is sixth best among the AL clubs. They have struck out 633battes and that is second best in the AL, and issued 257 free passes, which is third least. This is a staff that throws strikes and challenges hitters. They have given up the fourth least hits in the AL, so that strategy is working for them. The bullpen has been a little shaky, but closer Sergio Santos has converted 18 saves.
All in all this is a pretty good team that could probably use some offense and some bullpen help as we approach the trade deadline. Manger Ozzie Guillen and General Manger Ken Williams are on warming seats, and even a strong showing in the second half of the year will not likely save both of their jobs. There is much speculation that Guillen will wind up in Florida managing the Marlins.
Related Links:
- Chicago White Sox news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com
