How the Mighty Have Fallen in Baseball: the Chicago White Sox Season

2005 was the year they finally ended their long drought of no World Series reign. Not since the Black Sox Scandal in 1919 had this team been to the World Series and not since 1917 that the city of Chicago had a World Series title. That team was special that year and did the unthinkable. I remember watching and following the playoffs and I thought because Chicago hadn't won a playoff series in years that this team would instantly get knocked out to the 1^st round. To my surprise, they didn't happen and they went all the way to the World Series to face off with the Houston Astros, whom made their 1^st ever appearance in franchise history. The series itself went into a complete sweep and the White Sox won the World Series for the 1^st time since 1917. The city of Chicago, well half of it to be clear, was celebrating since this ended the supposed curse on this team called the Black Sox curse. Prior to all of this, the White Sox had made one other appearance in 1959 in a losing effort.

The next season, the expectations were still there that this could still be competitive team. They however finished 3^rd place despite a very good season and was not going into the playoffs to defend their crown. They had 90 victories, which apparently wasn't enough due to the Twins and Tigers both having more than 90 victories and both got in the playoffs. This however was a bit of a step back in terms of no championship but not so much a step back based on performance. They were a favorite to win that division but fell to 3^rd ahead of Cleveland and Kansas City in 2006.

Fast forward to this season all ready at the halfway point. By the time it is seen, they will be known as the team that really collapsed and so far are in a position to be in 4^th place, only team to stop them from going dead last is a miserable Kansas City Royals team that has no direction. But it is amazing to see how far the White Sox really had fallen down. Perhaps it was just to get one ring and not think about getting more building a dynasty for the city of Chicago. That however may not be meant to happen. At this moment in time as of July 11^th, 2007, they are in 4^th place struggling. Why has this team fallen so far down?

It is probably due to not building up the team for a long term run. They got the talent on the team but maybe they lack discipline. But seriously, it could be very well be due to the fact that the pitching has not been there for them this season. With only 2 starters above .500, that hasn't helped the team due to the fact that 3 of their pitchers have records below .500. There is no real explanation for this team other than either not hitting for the pitchers or getting beat so bad it's not even funny. The hitting for this club has been horrendous as a club dead last in the American League in hitting as of July 11^th, 2007. If the team isn't hitting, how are they expected to win games? They're not going to at all. The hitting for this team needs a serious shake up or something that will help this club as a whole. One bat will not save this team; it will take a conceited effort from everyone in the lineup from top to bottom. The pitching isn't good but it's not the worst in the League but it is the 3^rd worst going in at 12^th place out of 14 teams in the American League.

When the 2007 season comes to an end, the owners of this club needs to really make some decisions on what could help this team for the future and get them ready for next season. It will then and only then prove that they are committed to making this teamwork. Is it the manger's fault? Well, that's an interesting debate since sometimes a team doesn't respond well to a certain manager but it is not the big part of it. The problem should have to do with more about the chemistry on the organization instead of him directly. If there isn't that between players and also coaches, it won't help this team at all. For 2008, the question will have to be can they be competitive now with that division seemingly being open to anyone getting it without a clear cut winner? The White Sox have some work to do but until then, the most they can do is have a strong second half and hope for the best.

Source: MSNBC Sports Scoreboard, Team Rankings on Batting: http://www.scoreboard.msnbc.com/msnbc/main.asp?frames=0&sport=mlb&cat=TRa

MSNBC Sports Scoreboard, Team Rankings on Pitching: http://www.scoreboard.msnbc.com/msnbc/main.asp frames=0&rank=1516&cat=TRa&league=AL&sport=mlb