Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Still no closer in sight

Jul 5, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher

(54) delivers a pitch during the thirteenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at U.S Cellular Field. Seattle won 3-2 in 14 innings. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday proved the Chicago White Sox still don’t have an actual closer, and the “closer by committee project” isn’t working either, as they lost a two-run lead in the ninth and eventually the game in 14 innings.

The White Sox offense doesn’t get off the hook either, as they didn’t score in any of the extra innings in Saturday’s 3-2 loss in 14 innings, but the organization really does need a “Plan B” or whatever letter of a plan they are on now to fix this closer situation.

At the Chicago Sun-Times, they wrote about the loss and closer situation on Saturday, saying:

"“The uncertainty of the committee system also looks to have wormed its way into the psyche of the team’s bullpen.”"

The Sun-Times article also quoted reliever Zach Putnam saying after Saturday’s loss:

"“As relievers, it’s nice to know when you’re going to throw … But again, when you’re called upon, your job is the same, no matter what the inning is …”"

I’m not a fan of a “closer by committee” because the franchise is basically saying we don’t have a actual closer that is healthy right now, and we don’t know how or aren’t going to fix it.

The White Sox still have a somewhat realistic shot at the second Wild Card spot as they are 7.5 games out of that position. They are 9.0 games out of the AL Central lead, trailing the Detroit Tigers. To improve on those spots they can’t be giving games away in the ninth when they have a lead of two runs.

This franchise has sat back all season after injuries to Nate Jones and Matt Lindstrom, who were supposed to anchor the back end of the bullpen, but the folks in charge have never replaced them.

Neither of those two were “that great” in the first place, but a closer by committee will not work for the franchise moving forward.

Thoughts?

In other White Sox news

• The Chicago Sun-Times also wrote about how Dayan Viciedo is breaking out of a slump.

• Robin Ventura says trade talks can wear on players as written by the Chicago Tribune.

• Here is another story on the White Sox loss on Saturday by CSN Chicago.

• ESPN Chicago had a rapid reaction on Saturday’s loss.

• Bleacher Report re-graded last seasons trade at the deadline.

• ICYMI: Here is an All-Time All-Star team involving the White Sox from Southside Showdown.

• ICYMI (2): Southside Showdown wrote “5 reasons Chris Sale deserves to be an All-Star.”