White Sox: Start to Season Has Been Bad, But It Will Get Better
White Sox off to the worst start to a season in franchise history, but 2018 should have a much better finish for the South Siders.
Chicago White Sox fans are frustrated. And they have every right to be. The team has gotten off to a historically awful start to the season, and they didn’t look too well against their crosstown rivals this weekend.
Although expectations were low for the Sox entering this season, no one could have predicted the team to not have more than 10 wins entering Monday. The starting pitching has been bad, the bullpen much worse and the offense has been inconsistent.
After Saturday’s loss to the Cubs, the Sox passed the 1948 team for the worst start through 36 games to begin a season. However, as bad as the loss to the Cubs were on Friday and Saturday, the Sox snapped their seven-game losing streak on Sunday. Behind a shaky start from Lucas Giolito, the Sox were able to avoid a sweep at Wrigley Field with a 5-3 win.
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Many Sox fans have vented frustration with how the team has started this season, but this is the second complete year of the team’s current rebuild. Last season, the Sox still had many veterans on the team that they would later trade for more prospects. This season, the team has a much younger starting rotation and bullpen, along with many position players who most likely won’t be around when they’re contenders.
The Sox haven’t failed to live up to expectations this season, because frankly, the expectations were very low for this team. Sox general manager Rick Hahn has stressed over the past year about the franchise not rushing any prospects, and that won’t change due to the team struggling to win. While fans may want to see some prospects such as Eloy Jimenez or Michael Kopech get promoted, each player still has more room to develop in the minors.
With the Sox sitting in last place in their division and with the worst record in the majors at 10-27, it’s easy for many people to look past some positive developments on the team. For instance, both Tim Anderson and Matt Davidson are doing better jobs at the plate in regards to walks. Anderson went hitless against the Cubs but was able to reach base via four walks in the three-game series.
This is good news for Anderson as he has 12 walks on the year. Last season, Anderson had just 13 walks. Davidson, who had just 19 walks last season, has 22 walks currently this season. He also hit two home runs against the Cubs, with his home run on Sunday getting the Sox offense started after they trailed 2-0 in the second inning.
Another bright spot for the Sox has been some of their relief pitchers. Jace Fry has recorded six strikeouts in five innings pitched so far since being recalled. Fry pitched 1.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs on Sunday to help the Sox preserve their lead. Bruce Rondon would later earn his first save in a Sox uniform as he became the latest closer for the team.
Next: White Sox Beat Cubs to Avoid Sweep at Wrigley Field
There are many other positive developments for this Sox team, even if many fans can’t see them currently. Yoan Moncada should be returning soon from injury, and the starting rotation should get a boost in the next month or two when Carlos Rodon returns. The present may look bleak, but there will be better days ahead for the Sox. Stay patient Sox fans, rebuilding is never easy.