Chris Sale was dominant once again during yesterday’s series
finale victory over the San Diego Padres. Sale surrendered just one earned run and
struck out nine batters during his complete game gem. The victory brought the
White Sox back to .500 at 29-29, just 4.5 games behind the division leading
Detroit Tigers. While it is still very early to be scoreboard watching, it is
refreshing to see that the White Sox appear ready to remain competitive
throughout the summer. It’ll be interesting to see where the White Sox stand in
late-July as the trade deadline approaches, but I hope management does not
decide to trade away the few good prospects that they have in the farm system. Even
though this year’s team is vastly improved over last year’s, they still need
several pieces to be legitimate contenders and I don’t think they can fill all
those holes through mid-season trades. Hopefully, general manager Rick Hahn and
company will stay true to the plan of reshaping this team for long-term
success.
Abreu Set to Return
The White Sox hit the road tonight for six games against the
two Los Angeles baseball teams. Jose Quintana gets the ball tonight versus
Clayton Kershaw and Dodgers in what figures to be an entertaining pitcher’s
duel. Although the mound matchup is worth watching, the real story is the
return of slugger Jose Abreu. The first baseman has been activated from the
disabled list prior to tonight’s game, and will reclaim his spot in the heart
of the batting order. I’m excited to see the big man back on the field, and I
will surely have my eyes glued to the TV set every time he steps into the
box. I would love nothing more than the
see Abreu sit on Kershaw’s fastball and send the first one he sees into the
seats. Starting with tonight, Abreu’s
return to the lineup could allow this offense to really take off now that the
Opening Day lineup (other than Avisail Garcia) is finally healthy at the same
time.
Semien Sent Down
Jose Abreu’s activation meant that somebody had to be sent
down, and that person was Marcus Semien. Semien did a tremendous job filling in
for Gordon Beckham and Conor Gillaspie for their respective stints on the
disabled list, but unfortunately there isn’t a spot in the lineup for him. At
this time, it is best for both Semien and the White Sox that he receives
everyday at-bats to continue developing as a player. I am certain that this
will not be the last we see of Semien, and he could regain a starting role if
there is an injury or trade later this summer. Semien proved what he is capable
of during the first six weeks of the season, so I’m confident he will be in the
White Sox long term plans.
Danks Stays Sharp
For the better part of the season, I have been critical of
John Danks’ increased walk rate and poor strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, the lefty has turned the corner in
those two departments since his start on May 7th versus the Chicago
Cubs. Since then, Danks owns a 4:1 K/BB ratio with 28 strikeouts and just seven
walks in his last 31.2 innings pitched. The improved ratio has resulted in
quality starts in four of his last five outings. This is exactly what I wanted
to see from Danks going forward and hopefully it will continue for the rest of
the season. Last year Danks only walked 27 batters in 138.1 innings pitched, so
there is no reason to believe that it shouldn’t continue from here on out.
MLB Draft
In case you weren’t aware, the MLB First-Year Player Draft
will begin on June 5th and the White Sox have the third overall
selection. I have heard several analysts state that the White Sox might be in
the best position in this draft given their needs and spot in the draft order.
The White Sox are expected to draft a pitcher at No. 3 overall, and many scouts
believe they will take the best pitcher that is left between Carlos Rodon
(LHP/NC State), Brady Aiken (LHP/HS), and Tyler Kolek (RHP/HS). All three
prospects have been labeled as being the potential top pick in the draft at one
point or another, so it does indeed look like the White Sox are in great shape.
General manager Rick Hahn has publicly stated that he will not draft based on
need, but that the top five players on his draft board are pitchers.
Personally, I’d be shocked if the White Sox don’t take one from that trio of
pitchers.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Twitter: @etichel07
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