May 24, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Ronald Belisario (54) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at U.S Cellular Field. New York won 4-3 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
After a series sweep for the Chicago White Sox against the Cleveland Indians, they now can enjoy their day away from the ball park just a little bit more.
There is no game on the schedule for the “Good Guys” on this Thursday, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to talk about.
One of the first things that come to mind is Ronald Belisario and an article I read by the Chicago Sun-Times and how the White Sox hope he “can sick as their closer.” The article stated:
"“Belisario hasn’t grabbed the bull by the horns since Matt Lindstrom went down. The effort on Tuesday was his first scoreless outing in four save opportunities, and it came on the heels of a painful blown save against the Yankees.”"
Belisario had a blown save on Sunday and one on Wednesday night in the win against the Indians.
He might not be the most smooth of closers, but where else can the White Sox look in the organization other than Scott Downs, who isn’t a proven closer either?
I think all of us are going to have to learn to live on the edge of our seats when Belisario enters games for a save opportunity, like it or not.
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But let’s be realistic Lindstrom and even Nate Jones weren’t a “sure thing” at closer either, and this was a spot the folks in charge of the White Sox dropped the ball on this past offseason.
The team could always look away from the organization for help at closer if Belisario continues to be unreliable, but getting a good closer will cost the White Sox probably more than they are willing to give up right now, because there is no runaway first-place team in the division as we near the end of May.
It is going to be stressful having Belisario as the closer, but there really isn’t another option … yet.
Thoughts?
In other White Sox news:
• Here is what the Chicago Sun-Times wrote about the walk-off win Wednesday.
• The Chicago Tribune writes Jose Abreu could be back against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• ESPN Chicago writes about Gordon Beckham and working on his struggles.
• CSN Chicago also wrote about Abreu and how he might not have a rehab assignment.
• Call to the Pen writes about MLB Draft prospects No. 15-11.
In AL Central News:
• The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about Michael Bourn and his “vertical limit.”
• The Kansas City Star writes about how the Kansas City Royals were swept by the Houston Astros.
• The Detroit Tigers win over the Oakland Athletics as reported by the Detroit Free Press.
• The Star Tribune write about the Wednesday loss of the Twins to the Texas Rangers.