Tuesday, August 19, 2003
I've decided to make my first bold prediction as we get closer to September: I watched the White Sox-Angels game on ESPN yesterday, and as Frank Thomas tied and won the game on two magnificent home runs, I thought that the AL Central title will belong to the White Sox. I know the Royals have shown heart and surprised everyone with their small market success (much like the Twins have recently), but they don't have the pitching to last them through a division title battle in September. Here's why the White Sox can do it: They have an extremely dangerous lineup now that the Big Hurt has picked up his game and gotten hot. Carlos Lee will reach 100 RBIs as he finally proves himself. Let's not forget that Paul Konerko is starting to pick it up, along with Magglio Ordonez's usual great numbers. They're choosing the right time to gel as a lineup.
Their pitching has also gotten hot, with the biggest surprise in baseball, Esteban Loaiza, showing Cy Young-like numbers. And now Mark Buehrle is showing flashes of his last two years. In the long term, this is the team to pick in September (if they do get into the playoffs, that's a different story). I think the Twins will make a run at the title if they can get their starters to pick it up a bit, but when it comes to big games, everyone will always pick the best pitching, and that's what Chicago has that the other AL Central teams don't have.
posted by Charles Curtis 10:21 AM
