Chicago White Sox Morning BP (4/6): Is the excitement back?
Apr 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez (10) turns a double play, with a throw to first over Kansas City Royals base runner Nori Aoki (23) during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
In looking back at the first five games of the Chicago White Sox’s 2014 season, I have a variety of feelings going through my mind.
I’m happy with the overall effort the White Sox are showing thus far this season. They are playing with energy, excitement and though entering today’s finale with the Kansas City Royals on a three-game skid … they are playing close baseball.
We can’t ask for much more than that following just five games in a season, even though some better pitching in certain spots would be nice.
But after all the negativity that we all endured last season, it is (and I’ve written this before) refreshing to see the hustle this team has shown thus far, even if they have just two wins to show for it this season.
Apr 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks (50) talks with catcher Adrian Nieto (17) against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
• Opening Day was fun, and the 11-inning win against the Minnesota Twins in the second game was enjoyable, even if it did almost give me an ulcer. (Extra inning baseball isn’t easy on the nerves).
The two losses to the Royals haven’t been “that bad” compared to the product we witnessed last year. Saturday’s loss, and yes losing isn’t fun, showed us all the White Sox will battle, and can make games into competitive contests.
Chicago has lost to the Royals by scores of 7-5 and 4-3. In the three losses combined this season, Chicago has lost by a combined four runs.
If they continue to play these close games the wins will come in bunches.
• My only gripe for the ’14 season thus far is the inconsistent pitching with this club. One day the team will get solid starting pitching, and the productive bullpen work in the same game.
I know they can’t win all 162 games, I get that, but it is the little things that have cost this team three more potential wins to start this season.
• How about Jose Abreu? In his first five MLB games he’s batting .300 with an on-base percentage of .400 in 20 at-bats. In those 20 at-bats, Abreu has six hits, two walks and two intentional walks. The rookie also has six RBIs, two doubles and one triple.
Those are pretty good numbers, especially for a player who is just starting in the MLB.
Other White Sox news
• The Chicago Sun-Times has an article on how Avisail Garcia‘s “selectivity issues” are hindering him at the plate.
• Here is a video from the Chicago Tribune with John Danks talking about his overall performance in his 2014 pitching debut.
• In a White Sox report on ESPN Chicago, they talk about Chris Sale being a “one-of-a-kind pitcher.”
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