Are the White Sox for real?

[SubwayFanatic]

The White Sox are one of those teams that always seem to look much better on paper than they actually end up being. But is this the year they finally put it all together?

Obligatory "I know it's ealry" but this team is on fire right now. Buehrle, Garcia, Garland, Contreras and El Duque is definitely a rotation that has some serious upside. I don't think there offense is that outstanding, but it's not like anyone in that division has Murderer's Row either.

Either way, it's weird to see a team like Cleveland, a squad many people thought could compete for the division, already 7 games out.

[yanksphan]

Frank Thomas should be back by summer too, strengthening that lineup even more.

The Twins look like they might have some competition this year.

[expectTHEunexpected]

Year 2000.

[whiffleball]

Two words....Carl Everett.

No way will they be around in the end. El Duque's arm will probably fall off. They're a good team right now. Enjoy it while it's around.

[diehardyankeefan]

The White Sox always seem to have a division lead during the season but then they lose it.

[38Special]

Judy Garland will be sucking eventually, Contreras is Contreras, and El Duque will be on the DL by summer time. I don't think the Twins should worry yet.

[pedromartinezfan]

The White Sox aren't for real at all. Their offense is nothing special as a whole, and their pitching won't hold up. It's something about those ERA's and peripherals that don't look good together.

[scull567]

And if you look at RS vs. RA they should be 12-7. Their team obp i heard was like .300. Things will catch up with them.

[Cuban Connection]

Year 2000.

That team was built around an amazing offense, but had a mediocre (and later injured) starting rotation.

The White Sox have always been competing for the division title throughout the 90's (Indians dominance) and the 2000's (Twins dominance) so I was shocked and insulted when so-called "experts" predicted this team wouldn't compete and it would come down to the Twins, Indians, and Tigers.

Detroit has no starting pitching and their over-hyped bullpen is looking really bad and overpaid.
The Indians had fluke years and halves from many different players last season and still could not finish above .500.
The Twins have a horrible infield with Morneau on the DL (who can't hit LHP regardless,) and after Santana, their rotation is shaky.

[nyymt62]

I seriously doubt that the White Sox will be able to go through the whole season at this pace. I'm sure that they will eventually fall back, just look at their starting pitching, I don't think that rotation will be able to pitch like they are for an entire year. It would be nice to see a team other than the Twins, with their yearly one round and done, but I'm sure the Twins will win the division.

[38Special]

That team was built around an amazing offense, but had a mediocre (and later injured) starting rotation.

The White Sox have always been competing for the division title throughout the 90's (Indians dominance) and the 2000's (Twins dominance) so I was shocked and insulted when so-called "experts" predicted this team wouldn't compete and it would come down to the Twins, Indians, and Tigers.

Detroit has no starting pitching and their over-hyped bullpen is looking really bad and overpaid.
The Indians had fluke years and halves from many different players last season and still could not finish above .500.
The Twins have a horrible infield with Morneau on the DL (who can't hit LHP regardless,) and after Santana, their rotation is shaky.

Morneau hit a game tying homer in the 9th the other night so i'd say that hes no longer on the DL

[Mark19]

I think the White Sox can make a serious run for the AL Central this season. Konerko is their answer to Jim Thome, Iguchi, Uribe and Crede are decent role-players with their own respective strengths. Pierzynski is a good catcher and doesn't seem to be the clubhouse cancer he was accused of being. Rowand, Podsednik, Dye and Everett are a decent combination of power and speed. The reason that the White Sox didn't compete these past few years was because their pitching didn't meet their potential. Buehrle, Garcia, Duque, Garland and Contreras are good pitchers and if 3 of them match their top form, they will be a very good rotation. The bullpen is not great but Marte, Shingo and Hermanson are good set up men and should be able to nail down most save opps. I think the AL Central will be a dog fight until the end of September and the winner will ultimately be the most durable team.

[bleachersown]

I hope they're for real since they were my pre-season pick in the Central

[deranged2005]

El Duque will be on the DL by summer time.

Just curious, but why does everyone seem to think this?

[Xhibit]

They're like 7-0 in 1 run games, so they haven't been dominant by any means. Eventually that 7-0 in 1 run or close games will come back closer to .500. They're not a bad team, they should contend for the Central, but at best they'll be a 87-90 win team, at best.

[YankeeFan1]

I can't see it lasting. They not only do they not have enough pitching, their offense isn't as good as it looks now. This line up simply doesn't have enough power. Guillen like a fool is already alienating Frank Thomas who they will need desperately. Carl Everett will not be enough. The Twins like the Yankees will pull it together and get on track by the All Star break.

[Yosef]

Sorta kinda.

[bleachersown]

I can't see it lasting. They not only do they not have enough pitching, their offense isn't as good as it looks now. This line up simply doesn't have enough power. Guillen like a fool is already alienating Frank Thomas who they will need desperately. Carl Everett will not be enough. The Twins like the Yankees will pull it together and get on track by the All Star break.

That's why they play the games!