Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Reviewing 16 days of baseball

Jul 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman

Leury Garcia

(right) celebrates his run scoring walk off single with shortstop

Alexei Ramirez

(10), right fielder

Moises Sierra

(25) and center fielder

Adam Eaton

(1) against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at U.S Cellular Field. The Chicago White Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Finally an actual scheduled off day for the Chicago White Sox, where they just finished 16 games of baseball in 16 days without a day away from the ball park.

In that span of games, five were at US Cellular Field, while 11 games were on the road. Here are the results of those various series:

• June 17-18: vs. San Francisco Giants went 2-0 in two games.

• June 19-22: at Minnesota Twins swept in a four-game series.

• June 23-25: at Baltimore Orioles went 1-2 in three games.

• June 26-29: at Toronto Blue Jays won three of four games played, including three straight.

• June 30-July 2: vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won series finale, but lost doubleheader. Finished 1-2 in series.

That put the recent stretch of games for the White Sox at 7-9, not great, but better than I thought it would be before the start of those games.

So to say the least, it was a very emotional 16 days of baseball where there were roster moves that included Scott Downs being designated for assignment, Eric Surkamp being recalled, and Ronald Belisario being taken out of the closer role with manager Robin Ventura going with a closer by committee.

The series has a three-game winning streak, a five-game losing streak, a rain out from severe weather, a doubleheader, a game where they had to face former ace Mark Beuhrle and the stretch of games ended with a walk-off victory.

It also showed the White Sox had problems with some starting rotation spots with the No. 4 and No. 5 starters because it can be a coin flip as to what will happen or what to expect, especially at No. 5 where Scott Carroll took over that role from Andre Rienzo, who was moved to the bullpen.

It was an interesting time the past 16 days, leaving the White Sox with an overall record of 40-46, fourth place in the AL Central, ahead of the Twins. The White Sox are 9.5 games out of the AL Central lead and 7.5 back of the second Wild Card spot with five teams ahead of them for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Next up for the White Sox is a three-game series this weekend with the Seattle Mariners who currently hold that second wild card spot with a 47-38 record.

Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Reviewing 16 straight days of baseball

By Stephen Forsha | Jul 3, 2014