Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox: Q/A with BoSox Injection

Apr 12, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski (40) watches his two-run home run against the New York Yankees during the second inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox are set to start a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at US Cellular Field, starting Tuesday. The Red Sox, who are the 2013 World Series champions, come into the series with an overall record of 5-8, fifth place in the AL East.

Chicago has won both of their series this season at home, winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins and three of four against the Cleveland Indians, as the White Sox have 7-6 overall record, second place in the AL Central.

Before the series begins, Southside Showdown spoke with BoSox Injection staff writer Harry Burnham, previewing this upcoming three-game set.

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Apr 12, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) is removed from the game against the New York Yankees by Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell (left) during the sixth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. What are your thoughts on this upcoming series with the White Sox, especially with the Red Sox coming off a series with their rival in the New York Yankees? Do you fear a letdown as the atmosphere will be very different when this series begins?

This is a really solid, young team that Rick Hahn has put together. Frankly, I’d like to see Boston come in and take a couple games and get their ball rolling again. But after being defeated in New York, I’m not sure that’s going to happen. I think a letdown is entirely possible, if not likely, especially seeing as we have to deal with Chris Sale in the final game.

Apr 11, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Grady Sizemore (38) watches his three-run home run in front of New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Who is your Red Sox “MVP” thus far in this early season? Also, who do you think needs to step up their play in a hurry?

I’d love to say Grady Sizemore. It’s a smaller sample size than some guys, but I love the story, and for a guy they essentially were just giving a tryout, you couldn’t have asked for a better result.

Any of the threesome of Nava, Carp and Gomes really needs to pick it up sometime soon. As soon as Victorino comes back, if Jackie Bradley Jr. is still playing well, I think that trio has to become two. Bradley offers that much more versatility in the outfield over those guys, who between them can only cover two positions, or maybe three if you count Nava’s haphazard outings in right.

Apr 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts after receiving his 2013 World Series ring before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3. Has there been a “championship hangover” with the Red Sox, or are they playing like you felt they would have so far this season?

I don’t think that there has been any ‘hangover’ per se. But that’s because I had reasonable expectations going in. A lot went right for Boston last season, and to think they’d have that much luck again would be unfounded.

This isn’t a powerhouse team, and I think very few people, if any at all, expected them to win the World Series last season. They’ve basically performed the way I thought they would, although the pitching has been a little more rocky than I would have hoped.

Apr 8, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski (40) breaks his bat on a hit driving in a run against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Red Sox signed former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski this offseason. He can rub folks the wrong way at times, but he was loved in Chicago, winning a World Series and being a big part of that. What are your thoughts of having him on the Red Sox this season?

I like the signing for a couple of reasons. I’m not wild about Pierzynski as a player, but I think he’s a good game caller and handles a pitching staff well, though his bat and swing-and-miss tendencies are a bit too much for my taste.

Secondly, Boston has two really good catching prospects in the high minors, and I really like the deal from the standpoint that having A.J. for one year does little to block their progression to the majors.

Apr 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning of an opening day baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

6. What is your series prediction between the two teams?

Lots of close games. I think the White Sox probably take two out of three, more because our offense is scuffling than anything, and you can’t win if you don’t put runs on the board.