Chicago White Sox on the Hunt

Patrick: Fellas, we have us one here. A race that looks to go down to the wire. Our Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Minnesota Twins. What’s really going on?

Donald: Well, sir, glad you asked. I believe with everything in me that the chances for the White Sox to make the playoffs—mind you, the only way they can get in is by winning the division—are very good. I believe our White Sox will get ahead of the other two teams in the division and, then, look to go to work against the other playoff teams.

Patrick: Wait, why can’t the Sox get a wild card entry?

Russ: Shoot, think about the records that the wild card teams usually have. Man, some of those records are as good as many of the division winners. And, in this particular case, our division is horrible. We all— Cleveland, Minnesota, and us—are hovering at about .500 ball. Won as many as we’ve lost.

John: Yeah, man. We just won’t stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We’re a solid run— and just a lil’bit of consistency—from running away with this division in this weak year amongst our counterparts. The way the White Sox are doing it is so disappointing that the fact that we have a chance to win the division at this late time in the season doesn’t even feel right. Feels so undeserved.

Patrick: You’re right. It is horrible that we still have an opportunity to get into the playoffs. We just can’t get a consistent run going.

John: Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on how one looks at it—the entire White Sox team is inconsistent and in turmoil. Just recently, it appeared the White Sox were about to make their move to overtake the Twins and the Guardians. However, the White Sox lost 10 of 12 games and, then, Tony LaRussa stepped down as White Sox manager due to health reasons. We’ve gotten a few wins since that, but it’s early. Holding out hope, though.

Donald: Good for us that we play quite a few games against both teams we need to climb ahead of: Cleveland and Minnesota. We have 4 against Cleveland—3 here in Chicago—and 6 against Minnesota, including the last 3 at home.

Russ: Oh, wow…that series could seriously mean something.

Patrick: I know, right?

Donald: As long as the White Sox stay healthy, they should be good.

Russ: As positive as I like to be with my White Sox, the Sox are not very good this year. Even if they find a way to win the Central Division, I don't believe they'll get very far in the playoffs.

Patrick: But do y’all feel the White Sox should get credit for, at the very least, getting into the playoffs? I mean, shoot, other teams do have a say when it comes to our wins and losses.

John: True, but when we have a team built the way the White Sox are, along with the expectations that go along with a team that made the playoffs last year and appeared to have improved during the offseason, we expect more. Not necessarily a playoff berth, but at least be competitive. I mean, the Sox are going to have to contend with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros—shoot, tough teams…

Patrick: Fellas, y’all might freeze me out for this, but I believe our White Sox can pull off some true magic…regardless of our end-record.

Russ: Pat, I hope you’re right. I’ll ride with you.

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