5 Bold Predictions: Chicago White Sox at Colorado Rockies
Apr 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop
Alexei Ramirez10) singles in a run against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Chicago won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
The next series up for the Chicago White Sox is a visit to Denver in Interleague play with the Colorado Rockies waiting at Coors Field for a three-game series.
This series is the first Interleague series of the season for the White Sox, as they’ve already played six games against AL Central opponents, where they went 2-1 vs. the Minnesota Twins and 1-2 at the Kansas City Royals.
The big plus in those two series was the energy the White Sox showed, making games close and interesting.
An even bigger plus was the pitching of ace Chris Sale, as he’s built a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 1.78.
As for the Rockies, they are 3-4 on the season.
With the start of the series on Monday, here are my “5 Bold Predictions” for this Interleague matchup.
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Apr 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) hits a single against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
1. Tyler Flowers will continue his successful start
In five games played this season (18 at-bats), Flowers is already doing better than he did last April. Flowers is batting .500 on the year with nine hits (one double) and two RBIs.
He has struck out six times and has scored two runs and has walked none. His on-base percentage stands at .500.
Flowers has been a surprise thus far this season, because I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t see this type of start for Flowers to begin the season.
Maybe this is the season Flowers finally reaches his potential.
Apr 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox Matt Lindstrom (27) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Chicago won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
2. The White Sox bullpen will match the pen of the Rockies
This is maybe the boldest prediction of all, because let’s face it, the bullpen work of the White Sox the first two series of the season left fans wanting more.
Plus, the Rockies’ bullpen was stellar in their first homestand of the year. In 6.2 innings at Coors Field this weekend (Friday and Saturday) against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Rockies’ bullpen allowed just one run.
The White Sox bullpen has two blown saves this season, but at times, they have pitched well. The problem is certain spots of the bullpen have failed to live up to expectations.
The reason I’m saying the White Sox will match the Rockies is one, I am trying to be more optimistic, and secondly, with two series under their belt, maybe they’ve got all their “butterflies” out of their system.
Apr 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) is congratulated by right fielder Michael Cuddyer (3) after scoring in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Diamondbacks 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
3. One game will come down to one run
This three-game series is a complete guess as to who is the favorite, but I’m saying one game will come down to a single run.
So far this year, the Rockies have had four of their seven games come down to three or fewer runs, with two games against the Miami Marlins coming down to one run.
The White Sox have played their share of close games this season as well, with five of their six games coming down to two runs or less, including three one-run games. In those one-run games, the White Sox are 1-2.
With this pattern, one of these games will come down to a one-run difference.
Apr 3, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn (44) watches his two-run homer against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
4. Adam Dunn won’t reach his 12th strikeout of the season
In 20-at bats this season, White Sox DH Adam Dunn has struck out eight times. I’m saying Dunn (who is batting .200 with two home runs and four RBIs) won’t strikeout four times this entire series.
One reason for the prediction is the White Sox lose the DH spot since they are playing in an NL stadium, so his number of at-bats will be fewer than normal, but you never know about Mr. Dunn.
Apr 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox third basemen Conor Gullaspie (12) fields a ground ball against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Chicago won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
5. Series Prediction
The White Sox will win this series, even if Chris Sale won’t be pitching this time around. My guess is the White Sox win games one and three but drop game two.
What are your predictions? Let us know at Southside Showdown.