Southside Showdown
Fansided

White Sox in Position to Influence October As Spoilers

By Owen Schoenfeld

Jul 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) reacts after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) reacts after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Jun 19, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman
Jun 19, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman /

If there’s one team whose playoff hopes Chicago should be intent on dashing, it’s those of the Kansas City Royals.

These clubs have a little history and if your memory isn’t short, you’ll remember that the Royals were instrumental in keeping the White Sox out of the postseason in 2012.

The South Siders went 6-12 against the Royals that season and to make matters worse, Kansas City couldn’t get the job done against the Tigers when it mattered most.

It’s beyond frustrating to see a team with as many key injuries, underperformance, and obstacles as the Royals have had this season still be in the mix.

It defies logic, just as it’s unbelievable how out of favor the White Sox have fallen since their 23-10 start.

This is the same club that staged an unforgettable seven-run comeback against Chicago in late May. For some, that series marks a turning point in a dismal season on the South Side.

Considering the true-talent of their roster, it’s unsurprising that the Royals are more on the edge of the crowd than at the front of the pack.

Boston Red Sox 76-59 + 2.0
Baltimore Orioles 74-62 —
Detroit Tigers 74-62 —
Houston Astros 72-64 2.0 GB
New York Yankees 70-65 3.5 GB
Kansas City Royals 70-66 4.0 GB
Seattle Mariners 69-67 5.0 GB

The White Sox get Kansas City for three games at home September 16-18th. By that point, they could look to sink a final dagger in their season. Oh how sweet the revenge would be.

Owners of a 3-9 record against the Royals, it’s quite possible this series is an avenue for Kansas City to extend their stay in the wildcard race. If that’s the case, then Chicago will have a do-over when they head to Kauffman Stadium for a four game set September 16-19.

A house of horrors for the White Sox, leaving Kauffman with a positive mark could be good for morale going into 2017 regardless of the club’s plans. Per usual, the stakes are much higher for the team on the other side. The Royals could bulldoze the White Sox (6-1 style) and do wonders for their wildcard positioning. For the third season in a row, the White Sox will reprise the role that the Royals have always known, while Kansas City provides their fans with yet another stretch of meaningful baseball.

Aren’t they just spoiled.

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